Improving patient care: consequences for resource allocation.

Clinical trials have been designed to document the safety and efficacy of therapeutic interventions. However, data on the cost-effectiveness of new treatment regimens are increasingly required. This paper reviews economic evaluations performed on clinical trials in 3 different therapeutic areas: postinfarction prophylaxis, hypertension and heart failure. The data demonstrate that economic evaluations can provide important information which will aid decision making with respect to the cost-effectiveness of new treatment regimens. It is suggested that health economists and clinicians must work together to ensure that the limited health care budget is utilised to optimum effect.