Economic evaluation of guideline implementation in primary care: a systematic review

Kovacs, Eva; Wang, Xiaoting; Strobl, Ralf and Grill, Eva (21. April 2020): Economic evaluation of guideline implementation in primary care: a systematic review. In: International Journal for Quality In Health Care, Vol. 32, No. 1: pp. 1-11

Abstract

PURPOSE To review the economic evaluation of the guideline implementation in primary care. DATA SOURCES Medline and Embase. STUDY SELECTION Electronic search was conducted on April 1, 2019, focusing on studies published in the previous ten years in developed countries about guidelines of non-communicable diseases of adult (\geq18 years) population, the interventions targeting the primary care provider. Data extraction was performed by two independent researchers using a Microsoft Access based form. RESULTS OF DATA SYNTHESIS Among the 1338 studies assessed by title or abstract, 212 qualified for full text reading. From the final 39 clinically eligible studies, 14 reported economic evaluation. Cost consequences analysis, presented in four studies, provided limited information. Cost-benefit analysis was reported in five studies. Patient mediated intervention, and outreach visit applied in two studies showed no saving. Audit resulted significant savings in lipid lowering medication. Audit plus financial intervention was estimated to reduce referrals into secondary care. Analysis of incremental cost-effectiveness ratios was applied in four studies. Educational meeting evaluated in a simulated practice was cost-effective. Educational meeting extended with motivational interview showed no improvement; likewise two studies of multifaceted intervention. Cost-utility analysis of educational meeting supported with other educational materials showed unfavourable outcome. CONCLUSION Only a minor proportion of studies reporting clinical effectiveness of guideline implementation interventions included any type of economic evaluation. Rigorous and standardized cost-effectiveness analysis would be required, supporting decision-making between simple and multifaceted interventions through comparability.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Medicine > Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology
• Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health
• ISSN: 1353-4505
• Language: English