Economic impact of COPD: Empirical and model-based studies on the cost-effectiveness of treatment options Hoogendoorn, M. 2011-11-29 Doctoral Thesis

 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease characterized by progressive airflow limitation that is not fully reversible and is accompanied by extra-pulmonary effects that can lead to important co-morbidities. The treatment of COPD is associated with substantial healthcare costs, which are expected to increase in the future. Therefore the need for information on efficient treatment options in terms of both effects and costs is high. This thesis aims to investigate the costs and cost-effectiveness of treatment options for COPD to contribute to evidence-based policy making. This introduction provides background information on COPD and describes the disease characteristics, epidemiology, the social and economic burden and the available treatment options and their potential cost-effectiveness.
http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/30595/111129_%20Hoogendoorn-Lips%2C%20Elizabeth%20Jantina%20Ike%20%28Martine%29.pdf