Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What is the focus of cost-effectiveness analysis within a health program?

1. Quantitative assessment of costs

2. Estimation of service costs and achieving outcomes

3. Qualitative measures of client satisfaction

4. Evaluating long-term financial impacts

The correct answer is: Estimation of service costs and achieving outcomes

Cost-effectiveness analysis in a health program primarily focuses on the estimation of service costs and the outcomes achieved from those services. This method allows healthcare professionals and decision-makers to evaluate the relative costs and outcomes of different interventions, enabling them to determine which options provide the best value for money. By comparing the cost of a health intervention to its effectiveness—often measured in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) or other relevant health outcomes—stakeholders can identify strategies that maximize health benefits while minimizing costs. This approach is crucial in public health as it helps prioritize funding and resources towards interventions that yield the most significant health improvements for the population. While quantitative assessments of costs and evaluating long-term financial impacts are important aspects of overall health economics, they do not encompass the comprehensive view of both costs and the health outcomes that are central to cost-effectiveness analysis. Similarly, qualitative measures of client satisfaction, while valuable, do not focus on the economic aspects of health interventions that are the cornerstone of cost-effectiveness analysis.