Type of Economic Evaluation
A decision-tree model of the acute care pathway for patients with
stroke (Figure) was developed using TreeAge Pro Suite 2011 software
(TreeAge Software Inc, Williamstown, MA). In the model,
current practice was compared with alternative management strategies
(change strategies) to assess the potential impact of hypothetical
changes to services and patient behavior on effectiveness and
cost-effectiveness.
Model Perspectives
The model took a National Health Service (NHS) and Personal
Social Services (PSS) perspective. Thus, the costs of initial assessment
and treatment in hospital were considered along with long-term
costs associated with increased dependency because of stroke-related
disability. Lifetime costs and outcomes were estimated per 100 000
population.