Reviewing methods for the economic evaluation of eHealth

A systematic literature review and analysis of use cases to summarise methods for the economic evaluation of eHealth, identify methodological challenges, and discuss their transferability to the Austrian context

HVB eHealth

PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR

Christian Böhler

PROJECT TEAM AT THE EUROPEAN CENTRE

Gudrun Bauer, Stefania Ilinca

PROJECT PARTNERS

Main Association of Austrian Social Security Institutions (HVB)

BACKGROUND

As the relevance of eHealth in the provision of healthcare is rapidly increasing, decision-makers require information to help them find out which innovations are worthwhile. Economic evaluation of healthcare technologies may provide suitable methods to assess cost and outcomes of eHealth in a comparative fashion. However, the idiosyncrasies of eHealth may pose methodological challenges that need to be addressed adequately.

AIMS

This study aimed at reviewing current methods for the economic evaluation of eHealth and identified methodological challenges, together with potential solutions. In addition, we reviewed a number of use cases, where eHealth applications have been implemented in patient care elsewhere in Europe, with a particular view on related decision-making processes.

METHODS

  • Systematic literature review
  • Analysis of use cases

The European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research supports the Sustainable Development Goals

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UN SDG Good Health and Well-Being
UN SDG Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

FUNDED BY

Main Association of Austrian Social Security Institutions (HVB - Hauptverband der österreichischen Sozialversicherungsträger) (Austria)

PROJECT DURATION

11/2017 – 06/2018