Cost-effectiveness in healthcare: complexity of the equation.

Integrating scientific changes, citizens' needs and economic constraints has become a challenge. New types of cost-effective services, technologies and products must be found. Manufacturers, hospital administrators and health professionals must be capable of effectively documenting the benefits, risks and costs of their services to society and the quality of care to patients. Choices must be made to decide upon appropriate actions in allocating and using resources. The concepts of cost-benefit analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis should be understood. Identifying and valuing costs and benefits, measuring effectiveness, and assessing quality of life are complex and difficult issues. They are discussed in reference to Canadian studies on the cost-effectiveness of nutrition support. The need for further research to improve cost-effectiveness of nutrition support is stressed.