Authors: Ian Shemilt, Miranda Mugford, Sarah Byford, Michael Drummond, Eric Eisenstein, Martin Knapp, Jacqueline Mallender, David McDaid, Luke Vale and Damian Walker on behalf of the Campbell and Cochrane Economics Methods Group.
Key points
Economics is the study of the optimal allocation of limited resources for the production of benefit to society and is therefore relevant to any healthcare decision.
Optimal decisions also require best evidence of effectiveness.
This chapter describes methods for incorporating economics perspectives and evidence into Cochrane reviews, with a focus on critical review of health economics studies.
Incorporating economics perspectives and evidence into Cochrane reviews can enhance their usefulness and applicability for healthcare decision-making and new economic analyses.
15.1 The role and relevance of economics evidence in Cochrane reviews
15.2 Planning the economics component of a Cochrane review
15.4 Selecting studies and collecting data
15.6 Analysing and presenting results
15.7 Addressing reporting biases
Box15.8.a: Highlighting a need for further economics studies in
Box 15.10.a: The Campbell and Cochrane Economics Methods Group