The Healthcare Cost and Outcomes Model

The Healthcare Cost and Outcomes Model (HCOM) provides a simple tool for analysts and decision-makers to determine the cost-effectiveness of a healthcare intervention in which resources are consumed to produce certain healthcare outcomes. Using patient-level medical record or case report form data, it estimates the quantity of resources consumed by a sample of patients and then multiplies these resources by their local unit costs, with stratification by patient outcome. The result is an average cost per patient per outcome, which can then be compared to other interventions or used for budget estimates or program monitoring.