Using Economic Evaluation to Hasten Health Equity

Achieving health equity has proven elusive for two reasons. First, most research has focused on changing the behavior of individuals; however, policies that address socioeconomic factors or change the context to facilitate healthy decisions tend to be more effective. Second, health disparity science and evidence are not consistently used to guide policy makers, even those seeking health equity. In this perspective, we discuss economic evaluation tools that researchers can use to assist decision-makers in conducting research or evaluating policy: self-reported health-related quality of life surveys and cost-benefit analysis evaluations informed with willingness to pay research and analyses.