Economics and Medical Decision Making

This book provides methodological papers on economics and medical decision making. It is based on a novel approach in current controversies on outcome research and use of economic evaluation tools (such as cost effectiveness). Uncertainties around future medical technologies and open boundaries in sciences bring back judgment analysis into evaluation research especially on interference of economics and physicians‘ choices. Such research is rooted in the psychology literature (e.g. Lens model (Brunswik Hammond)). Healthcare decision-makers face paradigm changes with genomic medicine; decision rules for formulary listing are not yet well established (e.g. Tumor sequencing versus genetic testing in oncology). The book discusses methodologies especially to implement judgment research designs through special applications of conjoint surveys with new metrics on cost of care (called reversed conjoint approach). Study results are provided on various US datasets: tests of response models with internet surveys partitioning analysis on IT diffusion in medical practices new concept of quality of care benchmarks to detect mistrust between physicians and patients on cost issues.