Health Economic Perspectives of Genomics
Wordsworth S., Buchanan JR., Towse A.
This chapter begins by outlining why health economics is an important discipline in discussions concerning the use of genomic information in health care. It then provides the reader with an overview of some of the key concepts addressed by health economics and describes one of the main methods used by health economists to evaluate healthcare interventions: economic evaluation. The chapter then moves on to provide examples of where health economics has been applied to genomics, including diagnostics, treatment, and disease prevention. Challenges faced by the health economics discipline in evaluating genomics interventions are then described, which include methodological challenges and issues related to evidence generation and reimbursement mechanisms. Finally, the chapter outlines some of the policy implications of using health economics in genomics.