Conclusion
This is a well-constructed study, which suggests that the ‘Be Active’ physical activity intervention is a cost effective use of health care finances within a city setting such as Birmingham City. However, it does have limitations, which include the study design (natural experiment), the collection of data using self-reporting, and the length of follow up. Its strengths are that it uses QALYs to measure outcome which means that comparisons can be made with very different types of programmes, and also that it includes a WTP measure. This is a programme whose cost-effectiveness increases over time i.e. the longer it runs the more effective it can be demonstrated to be. Unfortunately, in this current financial climate it is difficult
This is a well-constructed study, which suggests that the ‘Be Active’ physical activity intervention is a cost effective use of health care finances within a city setting such as Birmingham City. However, it does have limitations, which include the study design (natural experiment), the collection of data using self-reporting, and the length of follow up. Its strengths are that it uses QALYs to measure outcome which means that comparisons can be made with very different types of programmes, and also that it includes a WTP measure. This is a programme whose cost-effectiveness increases over time i.e. the longer it runs the more effective it can be demonstrated to be. Unfortunately, in this current financial climate it is difficult