Cost-benefit analysis of epilepsy clinics

The article provides a cost-benefit analysis of a system of epilepsy clinics to be established in West Germany. The efficacy is assessed by reference to a health status index describing the function limitations associated with epilepsy. This procedure requires the determination of the individual valuations of the function limitations as perceived by the patients and the assessment of the average length of the limitations during the occurrence of the disease. This is accomplished by use of a Markov model. Employing all the compiled data, the effectiveness of the program can be calculated as the differential gain in life-expectancy adjusted for the severity of the function limitations, the patients can expect from the new therapy. Finally, a cost benefit analysis is carried out. showing a clear advantage of the inquired system of epilepsy clinics over the existing services.