In non-randomized studies, estimation of treatment effects generally requires adjustment for imbalances in observed covariates. One such method, based on the propensity score, is useful in many applications but may be biased when the assumption of strongly ignorable treatment assignment is...

One of a series of reports presenting a methodology to help health planners develop objectives and actions by means of selected health status indicators that may be amenable to health care interventions. Using the algorithms, health system agencies can investigate determinants of health status,...

Background: Variation exists in quality of life (i.e., utility) estimates depending on the utility elicitation method utilized. Using the EQ-5D, VAS, and HUI-III, the aim of this thesis was to determine whether these measures adequately capture HRQOL in a CRC population and assess the...

Programme budgeting and marginal analysis (PBMA) is a priority setting approach that assists decision makers in choosing among resource demands. This paper describes and evaluates the process of implementing PBMA in a Canadian regional health authority, and draws out key lessons learned from...

This article, the lead one in the issue, reviews ways to enhance the use of health services research. The article builds on a literature review and the author's observations to identify important social science concepts relevant to using research in policy and organizational decisionmaking. The...