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BMC Medical Research Methodology
Published in: BMC Medical Research Methodology 1/2006

Open Access 01-12-2006 | Research article

Economics methods in Cochrane systematic reviews of health promotion and public health related interventions

Authors: Ian Shemilt, Miranda Mugford, Michael Drummond, Eric Eisenstein, Jacqueline Mallender, David McDaid, Luke Vale, Damian Walker, The Campbell & Cochrane Economics Methods Group (CCEMG)

Published in: BMC Medical Research Methodology | Issue 1/2006

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Abstract

Background

Provision of evidence on costs alongside evidence on the effects of interventions can enhance the relevance of systematic reviews to decision-making. However, patterns of use of economics methods alongside systematic review remain unclear. Reviews of evidence on the effects of interventions are published by both the Cochrane and Campbell Collaborations. Although it is not a requirement that Cochrane or Campbell Reviews should consider economic aspects of interventions, many do. This study aims to explore and describe approaches to incorporating economics methods in a selection of Cochrane systematic reviews in the area of health promotion and public health, to help inform development of methodological guidance on economics for reviewers.

Methods

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was searched using a search strategy for potential economic evaluation studies. We included current Cochrane reviews and review protocols retrieved using the search that are also identified as relevant to health promotion or public health topics. A reviewer extracted data which describe the economics components of included reviews. Extracted data were summarised in tables and analysed qualitatively.

Results

Twenty-one completed Cochrane reviews and seven review protocols met inclusion criteria. None incorporate formal economic evaluation methods. Ten completed reviews explicitly aim to incorporate economics studies and data. There is a lack of transparent reporting of methods underpinning the incorporation of economics studies and data. Some reviews are likely to exclude useful economics studies and data due to a failure to incorporate search strategies tailored to the retrieval of such data or use of key specialist databases, and application of inclusion criteria designed for effectiveness studies.

Conclusion

There is a need for consistency and transparency in the reporting and conduct of the economics components of Cochrane reviews, as well as regular dialogue between Cochrane reviewers and economists to develop increased capacity for economic analyses alongside such reviews. Use of applicable economics methods in Cochrane reviews can help provide the international context within which economics data can be interpreted and assessed as a preliminary to full economic evaluation.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Economics methods in Cochrane systematic reviews of health promotion and public health related interventions
Authors
Ian Shemilt
Miranda Mugford
Michael Drummond
Eric Eisenstein
Jacqueline Mallender
David McDaid
Luke Vale
Damian Walker
The Campbell & Cochrane Economics Methods Group (CCEMG)
Publication date
01-12-2006
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Medical Research Methodology / Issue 1/2006
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2288
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2288-6-55

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