Cost consequence analysis may be more useful to decision makers

EDITOR,—If economic analyses are to provide guidance on population health strategies they should consider all relevant costs and consequences associated with medical interventions. We have identified five methodological deficiencies in the economic analysis of P D P Pharoah and W Hollingworth.1

Firstly, their study examines the impact of treatment only on death; it ignores the value of averting non-fatal consequences such as unstable angina, myocardial infarction, revascularisation procedures, and stroke. These consequences decrease both the length and quality of patients' lives.2 3 By …