ABSTRACT
This chapter presents case studies to describe and work through the use of cost-effectiveness analysis in evaluating counselling programmes in medical settings. It demonstrates the discussion among service providers and the timetable involved in planning an evaluation to examine the cost-effectiveness of employing a counsellor in general practice. The objective of the evaluation was to assess the cost-effectiveness of short-term counselling. Although the evidence appeared to be favourable for the use of a counselling service, the Family Health Services Authority were keen to discover whether a longer term intervention would have an even more favourable impact. Having identified the problem, the objectives of the evaluation, the options and study design, the next step is to identify quantifiable outcome measures for the cost-effectiveness analysis. In cost-effectiveness analysis a common measure of effectiveness is needed to compare options, although if possible several different effectiveness measures should be tested.
