Microcosting Quantity Data Collection Methods
Open accessAbstract
BACKGROUND: Microcosting studies collect detailed data on resources used and the value of those resources. Such studies are useful for estimating the cost of new technologies or new community-based interventions, for producing estimates in studies that include nonmarket goods, and for studying within-procedure cost variation. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this article were to (1) describe basic microcosting methods focusing on quantity data collection; and (2) suggest a research agenda to improve methods in and the interpretation of microcosting. RESEARCH DESIGN: Examples in the published literature were used to illustrate steps in the methods of gathering data (primarily quantity data) for a microcosting study. RESULTS: Quantity data collection methods that were illustrated in the literature include the use of (1) administrative databases at single facilities, (2) insurer administrative data, (3) forms applied across multiple settings, (4) an expert panel, (5) surveys or interviews of one or more types of providers; (6) review of patient charts, (7) direct observation, (8) personal digital assistants, (9) program operation logs, and (10) diary data. CONCLUSIONS: Future microcosting studies are likely to improve if research is done to compare the validity and cost of different data collection methods; if a critical review is conducted of studies done to date; and if the combination of the results of the first 2 steps described are used to develop guidelines that address common limitations, critical judgment points, and decisions that can reduce limitations and improve the quality of studies.
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- Authors
- Frick, K. D.
- Affiliations
- Johns Hopkins University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Frick, Kevin D.
- ORCID
- Frick, Kevin D.
- Venue
- Medical Care
- Published
- 2009-07
- Volume
- 47
- Issue
- 7_Supplement_1
- Pages
- S76-S81
- ISSN
- 0025-7079 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC2714580
- OpenAlex
- W2101703186
- Cited by
- 294
- References
- 26
- Citations by year
- 2026: 22 · 2025: 18 · 2024: 20 · 2023: 23 · 2022: 31 · 2021: 29 · 2020: 22 · 2019: 28 · 2018: 25 · 2017: 22 · 2016: 14 · 2015: 10 · 2014: 13 · 2013: 7 · 2012: 3
- FWCI
- 7.41
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Locations
- Medical Care (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
- PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
- Funders
- National Cancer Institute (HHSN261200700356P)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Economics, Econometrics and Finance › Economics and Econometrics › Health Systems, Economic Evaluations, Quality of Life
- Social Sciences › Economics, Econometrics and Finance › Economics and Econometrics › Healthcare Policy and Management
- Social Sciences › Economics, Econometrics and Finance › Economics and Econometrics › Economic and Environmental Valuation
- Keywords
- micro-costing, administrative databases, expert panel, provider survey, medical records review, direct observation, personal digital assistants, diary data, non-market goods, data validity
- MeSH terms
- Cost-Benefit Analysis, Data Collection, Health Services Research, Health Surveys, Humans, Medical Records, Health Care Costs, Observation
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