Why We Can't Save Everyone: CEA, CUA, and QALYs Simplified

Описание: We all hate to admit it, but healthcare resources aren't infinite. We can’t put a defibrillator on every street corner or fund every new cancer drug. So, how do we decide who gets treatment without relying on just "gut feelings" or politics?
This video breaks down the three economic tools used to make these tough life-and-death decisions:
1. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA): It’s all about getting the "most bang for your buck". We look at the ICER (the "price of progress") to see how much it costs to buy one extra year of life and "kick out" bad deals (dominated options) that cost more but do less.
2. Cost-Utility Analysis (CUA): But is a year in a coma worth the same as a year in perfect health? No. This method introduces the QALY (Quality-Adjusted Life Year) to measure not just the length of life, but the quality of it—allowing us to compare apples to oranges (like blindness vs. heart failure).
3. Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA): The most controversial tool. It puts a specific dollar value on human life and health benefits. It sounds cold, but it’s the only way to figure out if a project is worth doing at all compared to other spending.
👇 The Big Question: If you were holding the purse strings, would you prioritize saving the most lives, maximizing quality of life, or saving the most money? Let’s discuss in the comments!