Accuracy of terminology and methodology in economic analyses in otolaryngology

OBJECTIVE: Economic studies increasingly guide health care resource allocat ion decisions, Because rigorous adherence to accepted definitions and resea rch techniques is critical to ensure accuracy, we evaluated the terminology and methods of otolaryngology economic analyses, STUDY DESIGN: A total of 71 articles published from 1990 to 1999 in 6 peer- reviewed otolaryngology journals with terms such as "cost-effective" in the ir title or representing economic analyses were reviewed for terminology an d use of established methodology guidelines. RESULTS: Over half (35 of 66) of terms such as "cost-effective" were used i ncorrectly, and 60% of articles (39 of 64) confused "charge" and "cost" dat a. Eleven percent (7 of 64) of papers specified the perspective of their an alysis. About half (17 of 30) reported a summary measure such as a cost-eff ectiveness ratio, Only one third (23 of 63) performed sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: Adherence to accepted definitions and research methods is incon sistent, although we did note moderate improvements in making the distincti on between costs and charges, defining of study perspective, and performing sensitivity analysis. SIGNIFICANCE: Greater attention to both terminology and methodology can enh ance the quality of economic analyses and ultimately improve certain resour ce allocation decisions.