Introduction to economic evaluations alongside trials

Economic evaluations alongside controlled trials (EEACTs) form a major part of the HEDS work programme. Close links with Medical Care Research Unit and their DH Policy Research programme have kept HEDS in the vanguard of methods development for the last twenty years. Recent methodological developments within this area have focused on analytical issues that are problematic for economic data, such as, analysis of missing data, censored data and uncertainty. Current work is looking at the closer integration of trial-based analysis and decision-analytic modelling, and the use of Bayesian analysis.

Current work includes:

• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) versus non invasive ventilation (NIV) versus standard therapy for patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (Lead economist, Katherine Stevens). http://www.shef.ac.uk/trial3cpo/
• Pulmonary Artery Catheters in patient Management (PAC-Man) in intensive care. http://www.icnarc.org/research/health-technologies/pac-man/
• Single-Chamber versus Dual-Chamber Pacing for High-Grade Atrioventricular Block (Lead economist, Simon Dixon). http://www.ukpace.org.uk/
• Trial of alternative regimens for glue ear treatment (Lead economist, Simon Dixon).
• Paramedic practitioners for management of older people (Lead economist, Simon Dixon)
• Use of nurse advisors for selected category C 999 ambulance calls (Lead economist, Simon Dixon)