Incorporating social network effects into cost-effectiveness analysis: a methodological contribution with application to obesity prevention.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To develop a methodology for integrating social networks into traditional cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) studies. This will facilitate the economic evaluation of treatment policies in settings where health outcomes are subject to social influence.

Design

This is a simulation study based on a Markov model. The lifetime health histories of a cohort are simulated, and health outcomes compared, under alternative treatment policies. Transition probabilities depend on the health of others with whom there are shared social ties.

Setting

The methodology developed is shown to be applicable in any healthcare setting where social ties affect health outcomes. The example of obesity prevention is used for illustration under the assumption that weight changes are subj

SUBMITTER: Konchak C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3533108 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature