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Sample Size and Power for Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (Part 1)

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Abstract

Basic sample size and power formulae for cost-effectiveness analysis have been established in the literature. These formulae are reviewed and the similarities and differences between sample size and power for cost-effectiveness analysis and for the analysis of other continuous variables such as changes in blood pressure or weight are described. The types of sample size and power tables that are commonly calculated for cost-effectiveness analysis are also described and the impact of varying the assumed parameter values on the resulting sample size and power estimates is discussed. Finally, the way in which the data for these calculations may be derived are discussed.

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Acknowledgements

This article was funded in part by the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

The author has no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this article.

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Correspondence to Henry A. Glick.

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Glick, H.A. Sample Size and Power for Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (Part 1). Pharmacoeconomics 29, 189–198 (2011). https://doi.org/10.2165/11585070-000000000-00000

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/11585070-000000000-00000

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