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Article: Finding answers to questions using cost analysis.
- Article from:
- AORN Journal
- Article date:
- July 1, 1999
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1999 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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In our last few columns, we addressed strategies for answering questions when little research exists to help you in the decision-making process. As researchers, we frequently are asked to provide research evidence for questions that are difficult or even impossible to answer using research strategies. In this column, we discuss cost-benefit analysis as an approach for answering questions related to costs, effectiveness, benefits, quality, and outcomes. Although cost-benefit analysis cannot be used in all clinical situations, the cost of health care today, more than ever before, is a driving force in clinical decision making.
DEFINING COST ANALYSIS
Cost ...