PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Kerry A. McBrien AU - Braden Manns TI - Approach to economic evaluation in primary care DP - 2013 Jun 01 TA - Canadian Family Physician PG - 619--627 VI - 59 IP - 6 4099 - http://www.cfp.ca/content/59/6/619.short 4100 - http://www.cfp.ca/content/59/6/619.full SO - Can Fam Physician2013 Jun 01; 59 AB - Objective To present an overview of the methods of economic evaluation in health care, using examples of studies applicable to primary care. Sources of information The main concepts discussed in this article were derived from expert opinion and substantiated with well respected textbooks and comprehensive Canadian guidelines. Examples of cost-effectiveness estimates were taken from the published literature. Main message We describe the basic principles of economic evaluation and provide an introduction to its interpretation, using examples of studies applicable to primary care. Conclusion A basic understanding of health economics will allow primary care practitioners to begin to incorporate economic data, including that from economic evaluations when they are available, into resource planning for their practices.