BENEFIT-COST-ANALYSIS IN PUBLIC-HEALTH

This chapter gives an overview of benefit-cost analysis (BCA) and simi lar evaluation tools, such as cost-effectiveness analysis and technolo gy-based standards, in the context of public health. We describe these evaluation tools, how they are used, their shortcomings, and how they should be interpreted. As with other powerful tools, they are subject to misuse and misinterpretation, even by professionals doing the anal ysis.