Introduction of a handbook on health economic evaluation, as a tool to support decision-making, in the Venezuelan Ministry of Health: A feasibility study applied to vaccines

Abstract

Background: Health expenditure has undoubtedly an upward trend. Scarcity of resources and uncertainty will be always present, and under this scenario there is a real need to boost health economic evaluation (HEE) within the Venezuela Ministry of Health (VMH) with the aim to improve efficiency on resources allocation, and therefore in health. Objectives: To develop a proposal of a handbook on HEE to be used by the Venezuelan Ministry of Health. To analyse the feasibility of cost-effectiveness analysis applied to vaccines in the context of the VMH. To present a summary of relevant health economic concepts to help with a better understanding of the tool and in general of HEE within the VMH.

Methods: Pertinent literature was searched in electronic databases: PubMed, SciELO; also Google search engine and Google Scholar were used to identify other possible sources of information. Data related with the VMH was retrieved from its official website. The Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) statement checklist was considered to design the handbook proposal. Target – Scope: Public health experts; head of projects, programmes and departments; as well as planning professionals who act as a support for policy makers within the VMH. This handbook intends to provide useful guidance to initiate HEE studies in the VMH, and also to aid comprehension of HEE literature.

Results: Current theory and studies indicate that HEE cannot always be transfered from country to country. Therefore a national effort is needed to generate valid evidence to strengthen decision making processes. International standards to develop guidelines were considered to develop this handbook. It is expected that after initial attempts to gain experience in the field within the VMH, this document would be considered and put in place.

Conclusions: Venezuela has meagre experience in HEE; however it could benefit from international and especially regional know-how. This handbook could potentially support the challenge of implementing HEE in the VMH. It is considered that implementing a handbook on HEE applied to vaccines would be feasible. Limitations: The Venezuelan health’s legal framework; defragmentation of the health sector; and a lack of professionals with a health economics background, represent obstacles to implementing this handbook. Key words: Cost-effectiveness analysis, Health economics, Health economics evaluation, Health policy, Vaccines, and Venezuela.