This July, IHSPR and the Institute of Health Economics (IHE) jointly released a discussion paper on the Economic evaluation of complex health system interventions.
Husereau D, Jacobs P, Manns B, Hoomans T, Marshall D, Tamblyn R, on behalf of the IHE- IHSPR Complex Interventions Working Group. Economic evaluation of complex health system interventions: a discussion paper. Edmonton AB: Institute of Health Economics; 2014 July.

The discussion paper provides guidance to those undertaking economic evaluations of complex health system interventions. Complex health interventions are common in healthcare systems, with a few illustrative examples including integrated systems of care for the frail elderly, eHealth innovations for individuals with high needs, and models of care that link upstream prevention with healthcare delivery. These types of interventions have been described as complex as they have multiple components, are directed at populations and may affect multiple outcomes and be affected by feedback loops. Overall, the discussion paper guidance is intended to promote understanding and consistency in how economic evaluations of complex interventions are conducted, with the ultimate goal of contributing to improved research and evidence-informed health care decision-making.

The paper was produced through input provided by an expert working group and utilizes existing national guidelines for economic evaluation. IHSPR and IHE will use the paper as a platform for future learning initiatives intended to support health services and policy researchers who are undertaking economic evaluations of complex interventions as part of their research programs.

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