The Importance of a Methodological Manual for Economic Evaluations in Healthcare Decision-Making in Ecuador.

Abstract

This article provides an overview of Ecuador's Methodological Manual for Economic Evaluations of Health Technologies, emphasizing its importance, key methodological aspects, and relevance within the country's health technology assessment (HTA) framework. The manual establishes standardized guidelines for conducting economic evaluations, incorporating international best practices while adapting them to the national context. It outlines essential methodological components, including decision problem definition, economic evaluation types, cost estimation, use of decision models, and sensitivity analysis. Additionally, it highlights the role of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and cost-effectiveness thresholds in supporting evidence-based decision-making. Beyond its methodological contributions, the manual plays a crucial role in institutionalizing economic evaluations in Ecuador's healthcare system. By promoting transparency, consistency, and technical rigor, it strengthens the integration of economic evidence into policy decisions, ensuring efficient resource allocation. However, challenges persist, including limitations in technical capacity, data availability, and the need for further refinement of local cost-effectiveness thresholds and indirect cost valuation. This article also explores the broader policy implications of adopting the manual within Ecuador's HTA framework. Strengthening institutional capacity, improving data infrastructure, and fostering international collaboration will be essential to its successful implementation. By embedding economic evaluations into healthcare decision-making, Ecuador can enhance the sustainability of its health system, optimize expenditures, and improve access to cost-effective health technologies.