COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS, COST-BENEFIT-ANALYSIS, AND BEYOND - EVOLVING MODELS FOR THE SCIENTIST-MANAGER-PRACTITIONER

Models are described for measuring cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit in clinical research and for optimizing cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit in clinical practice. Three applications are provided of a model advocated by the author, cost --> procedure --> process --> outcome analysis. Traditional research often examines the degree to which treatment procedures are implemented and the extent to which those procedures affect biopsychosocial processes that may yield outcomes (procedure --> process --> outcome analysis). To these analyses we can add data on treatment costs for a complete model, that is, cost --> procedure --> process --> outcome. This model can be analyzed to find the least expensive way to achieve goal outcomes or the most effective way to deliver services within budget constraints.