Despite the central role of the threshold incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), or lambda ([lambda]), in the methods and application of cost-effective analysis (CEA), little attention has been given to the determining the value of [lambda]. In this paper we consider 'what explains the...

The main objective of this paper is to determine whether the distribution of hospital service utilization corresponds to the distribution of needs within Canada. This is accomplished by identifying the factors affecting the relationship between the incidence and quantity of hospital services and...

This article examines the degree to which relationships between social capital and health are embedded in local geographical contexts and influenced by demographic factors, socio-economic status, health behaviours and coping skills. Using data from a telephone survey of a random sample of adults...

The application of Sen's notion of capabilities to problems of the allocation of resources to health in the form of an extra-welfarist framework underlies the justification of quality adjusted life years (QALYs) as the method for valuing the benefits of health care. In this paper we critically...

This paper describes the principles of economics and their application to oral health and health care. After illustrating the economic determinants of oral health, the demand for oral health care is discussed with particular reference to asymmetric information between patient and provider. The...

Many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are far from achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). We believe that efforts to promote equitable access to health care are critical if health systems are to fulfill their potential in contributing to the achievement of the MDGs. However,...

Objective. To develop and evaluate alternative methods of adjusting primary medical care capitation payments for variations in relative need for health care among enrolled practice populations. Methods. We developed alternative needs-based capitation formulae and applied them to a sample of...

Increasing attention is being paid to the non-health care influences on population health status. Policy recommendations emerging from this interest have tended to focus on providing equal opportunities to attain good health. In this sense policies have tended to be ‘enabling’ with little...

Geographically decentralized planning and management is an emerging theme within the health sector in many OECD countries. Advocates of decentralization argue that providing greater authority to local decision-making bodies can improve both the technical and allocative efficiency with which...