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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/44707
The use of cost per life year gained as a measurement of cost-effectiveness in Spain: a systematic review of recent publications
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The objective of this study was to evaluate the methodological characteristics of cost-effectiveness evaluations carried out in Spain, since 1990, which include LYG as an outcome to measure the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. METHODS: A systematic review of published studies was conducted describing their characteristics and methodological quality. We analyse the cost per LYG results in relation with a commonly accepted Spanish cost-effectiveness threshold and the possible relation with the cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained when they both were calculated for the same economic evaluation. RESULTS: A total of 62 economic evaluations fulfilled the selection criteria, 24 of them including the cost per QALY gained result as well. The methodological quality of the studies was good (55%) or very good (26%). A total of 124 cost per LYG results were obtained with a mean ratio of 49,529 and a median of 11,490 (standard deviation of 183,080). Since 2003, a commonly accepted Spanish threshold has been referenced by 66% of studies. A significant correlation was found between the cost per LYG and cost per QALY gained results (0.89 Spearman-Rho, 0.91 Pearson). CONCLUSIONS: There is an increasing interest for economic health care evaluations in Spain, and the quality of the studies is also improving. Although a commonly accepted threshold exists, further information is needed for decision-making as well as to identify the relationship between the costs per LYG and per QALY gained.
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RODRÍGUEZ BARRIOS, José Manuel, et al. The use of cost per life year gained as a measurement of cost-effectiveness in Spain: a systematic review of recent publications. European Journal of Health Economics. 2012. Vol. 13, num. 6, pags. 723-740. ISSN 1618-7598. [consulted: 14 of June of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/44707