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Can economics be applied to prenatal screening?

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  • Nicholas Phin

Abstract

This paper is a review of the economics of prenatal screening as seen from a medical point of view. The difficulties and controversies over the economic analysis are examined with specific reference to screening for Down syndrome. The aims and principles of prenatal screening are set out and discussed before reviewing the attempts that have been made to assess the costs and benefits of screening for Down syndrome. The major problem identified is the measurement and valuation of benefits. This makes it difficult to use the cost benefit or cost utility analysis and, therefore, to say whether or not prenatal screening is worthwhile per se. Given a general social acceptance to screen for Down syndrome, the most useful economic appraisal would be cost-effective analysis of the most efficient methods of carrying out the procedure.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicholas Phin, 1990. "Can economics be applied to prenatal screening?," Working Papers 074chedp, Centre for Health Economics, University of York.
    • Handle: RePEc:chy:respap:74chedp
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    File URL: http://www.york.ac.uk/media/che/documents/papers/discussionpapers/CHE%20Discussion%20Paper%2074.pdf
    File Function: First version, 1990
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Henderson, John B., 1982. "An economic appraisal of the benefits of screening for open spina bifida," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 16(5), pages 545-560, January.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    prenatal screening; Down syndrome;

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