What is the primary goal of economic evaluation in health care?

The primary goal of economic evaluation in health care is to determine the cost-effectiveness of interventions. This process involves a systematic approach to comparing the costs and health outcomes of two or more health care interventions to inform decision-making. By assessing cost-effectiveness, health care stakeholders can identify which interventions provide the best value, maximizing health benefits relative to the resources expended. This analysis is essential in a context where health care resources are limited and decisions must be made about how to allocate these resources most efficiently to achieve optimal health outcomes for populations.

In contrast, assessing patient satisfaction focuses on individuals' experiences and perceptions of health services, while comparing the quality of health care providers looks at the performance metrics and standards of care delivery. Analyzing demographic health trends provides insights into population health changes over time but does not directly address the economic implications of different health interventions. Thus, while these elements are important aspects of health care evaluation, the central aim of economic evaluation is specifically about understanding the cost-effectiveness of interventions.