A note on prevention versus cure

Author(s): Johansson, P. O.

Journal/Book: Health Policy. 1997; 41: Customer Relations Manager, Bay 15, Shannon Industrial, Estate Co, Clare, Ireland. Elsevier Sci Ireland Ltd. 181-187.

Abstract: The aim of this study is to test if the general Swedish population prefers saving lives through prevention or acute care. A trade-off question of a choice between saving lives through prevention or acute care was administered in a Swedish population sample. Based on the answers we estimate the median number of lives saved ill acute care that is judged equivalent to saving one life through prevention. According to the results 1.2-1.4 lives saved in acute care is judged equivalent to saving one life through prevention. Thus our results indicate that lives saved through prevention and cure are given about the same value by the median respondent. Individuals seem to focus on the size of the health benefits rather than whether the health benefits are achieved through prevention or cure.

Note: Article Johannesson M, Stockholm Sch Econ, Ctr Hlth Econ, Box 6501, S-11383 Stockholm, SWEDEN

Keyword(s): prevention; lifesaving; economic evaluation; VALUATION

Zurück | Weiter