Economic evaluation as a framework for choice

There are several reasons why it is useful to bring together evidence within the framework of economic evaluation. First, it helps us to ask the right questions. The issue is normally not ‘Does it work?’ but rather ‘Should we do it?’ The question should be ‘Do the bene ts of this service or intervention justify the costs?’ Not all costs and bene ts are easy to measure. This has been a major issue in the preceding chapters. It is nevertheless useful to ensure that they are all listed, and taken into account. Similarly, it matters when costs and bene ts occur, and this should be taken into account.