Test evaluation in a resource-limited country context from a health economics perspective

Frempong, Samuel Nkansah (2019). Test evaluation in a resource-limited country context from a health economics perspective. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

In Ghana, there are issues with the diagnosis of typhoid fever such as delays in diagnosis, concerns about the accuracy of current tests, and lack of availability. All of which highlight the need for the development of a rapid, accurate and easily accessible diagnostic test. Whilst several studies have indicated the importance of an iterative use of economic evaluations during the early phases of development of medical devices, there is little specific guidance on their implementation. The aim of this research was to examine the potential cost-effectiveness of a hypothetical rapid test for typhoid fever diagnosis in Ghana.

Two systematic reviews, a qualitative survey and an early cost-effectiveness analysis were conducted to achieve the research aim.

The results here show that there is a general lack of clarity on the methods used in the early economic evaluation of medical tests, and the techniques available to modellers that can demonstrate the value of conducting further research and product development (i.e., value of information (VOI) analysis, headroom analysis) should be better utilized. For a hypothetical test to perform better than the current available tests in terms of QALYs gained and cost-effectiveness, it is necessary that it has a high specificity (at least 70%) and should not be priced more than $10.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):