A Detailed Analysis and Estimation of Therapy Net Benefit through Multi Regression Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Effectiveness, adverse drug reaction, tolerability and quality of life are few parameters by which a therapy is evaluated. No method exists to measure net benefit or loss of any therapeutic option from patient or health professionals’ point of view. This paper aims to measure net benefit of a single therapy or compare relative benefits of different therapeutic options. Objectives: To develop a mathematical equation to measure net benefit of a treatment option. Methods: Focus group studies conducted to identify list of variables that can measure benefits of any treatment process. Large scale sample survey conducted to develop a mathematical equation and validate it. Results: Cost, degree of cure, time required to cure, ease of accessibility, adverse effect, ease to use, tolerability, cure rate, improvement in quality of life, degree of pain during application are the factors that determines the net benefits of a treatment option. Conclusions: Degree of cure, cost of treatment and time required to cure are the most important factors towards evaluation of net benefit due to a treatment. The model can be used by health policy makers to prioritise their policies and health care professionals and researchers to measure the net benefit of any treatment options.