5 key characteristics of cost-analysis data

In her research, Janet B. Mitchell, PhD, president of the Center for Health Economics Research in Waltham, MA, has determined five key characteristics of data needed for cost analysis of clinical guidelines.1 They should:

1. Provide a detailed, service-specific description of treatment patterns, both before and after dissemination of the guidelines.

2. Include a cost for each service (or be able to attach a cost if missing).

3. Be nationally representative and not limited to "best practice" providers.

4. Be relatively inexpensive to collect.

5. Be available over time.

Reference

1. Mitchell J. Cost analysis of clinical guidelines: Which data to use and how to find them. Presented at the Cost Analysis Methodology for Clinical Practice Guidelines conference, Baltimore; November 1993. *