Economic evaluation of complex health and social care interventions

Abstract

The use of economic evaluation in relatively complex areas of health and social care has been limited. The level of complexity is influenced by the nature of the problems and interventions under evaluation, being dependent upon the degree of user involvement and the complexity of the inputs and outcomes. Complexity does not preclude the achievement of a good quality economic evaluation, but it can add significant difficulties. Efforts must be made to ensure scientific validity of evaluations, whilst recognising that the complexity inherent in many health and social care interventions may require deviations from and additions to traditional evaluation models. Fundamentally, the net effect will be the need for more time and money than would perhaps be required for the evaluation of a simpler intervention.