Compared to benchmarking of departments based solely on their costs, we show that the ranking of departments may be altered considerably when quality is taken into account. Consequently, it is important to have a well-rounded view of departmental objectives when undertaking performance evaluation. The results for mortality may lend some support to the theory of a U-shaped cost/quality relationship. However, the results for wound complications do not support the theory of a U-shaped cost/quality relationship.
SUMMARY
BackgroundThe long-term effects of participation in trials has not been reported. A randomized-controlled trial (the ONE study) reported on the management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease with esomeprazole in primary care, testing on-demand treatment vs. treatment courses.
Preventive health screening and consultation in primary care in 30- to 49-year-olds produce significantly better life expectancy without extra direct and total costs over a six-year follow-up period.
SUMMARY
Background:A prospective, open, randomized multicentre study with parallel group design was conducted in 155 general practice clinics, and included 1357 endoscopically uninvestigated patients with symptoms suggestive of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Aim: To assess the differences in direct medical costs between a patient-controlled on-demand treatment strategy with esomeprazole, 20 mg daily, and general practitioner-controlled intermittent treatment strategies with esomeprazole, 40 mg daily, for either 2 or 4 weeks. Secondary objectives were to measure other costs, total costs, patient satisfaction and time to first relapse. Methods: The primary cost analysis was carried out as a cost minimization analysis, comparing the direct medical costs in patients allocated to on-demand treatment
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