Approach to economic evaluation in primary care: review of a useful tool for primary care reform.

OBJECTIVE To present an overview of the methods of economic evaluation in health care, using examples of studies applicable to primary care. SOURCES OF INFORMATION The main concepts discussed in this article were derived from expert opinion and substantiated with well respected textbooks and comprehensive Canadian guidelines. Examples of cost-effectiveness estimates were taken from the published literature. MAIN MESSAGE We describe the basic principles of economic evaluation and provide an introduction to its interpretation, using examples of studies applicable to primary care. CONCLUSION A basic understanding of health economics will allow primary care practitioners to begin to incorporate economic data, including that from economic evaluations when they are available, into resource planning for their practices.