FS5 Update Report - Comparison of Cost Outcome Methods
(Updated June 18, 2003)
Cost has been identified as one of the key factors necessary to outcomes research in assistive technology (AT). Problems associated with analyzing costs include a paucity of measurement tools and rigorous methodological strategies. This field scan included 1) a review of the literature on cost analysis within the health care field in general and specifically in assistive technology; and 2) a cost identification feasibility study.
The literature review identified and reviewed concepts basic to economic evaluation, the principal methodology to assess costs in outcomes research. We considered six studies that included a cost analysis approach in order to illustrate the complexity inherent in assessing costs within assistive technology. We identified key cost assessment variables to be considered in AT economic evaluations and called for the development of a standardized and consistent methodology.
The cost identification feasibility study is being conducted in collaboration
with an on-going 2-year outcomes study that is funded by The Langeloth
Foundation. A cost outcomes description methodology is being developed
to assess costs in an acute care rehabilitation hospital from a service
provider’s perspective.