Economic evaluation of neuro-prostheses: A review of outcome assessment and valuation techniques

Abstract

The scientific progress in neuro-prostheses during the last ten years has led to a number of clinical applications that are being introduced in the health care system. Whereas the research so far has been carried out in the biomedical research environment it now enters the clinical area. This clinical research leads to new challenges concerned with clinical effectiveness, decisions on prescription to patients and economic value. In relation to the latter it is important to realize that health care budgets are under pressure world wide. For instance, in the Netherlands and the USA health care expenses are estimated to be US$27,8 billion (2000) and US$1149 billion (1998) respectively. ..