WHC and ISMMP congresses
By David Woods ([email protected]) HOC editor David Woods has just returned from attending two healthcare congresses. Fourth Annual World Health Care Congress (WHC), Washington, DC, 22–24 April A panel on…
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Health economists’ broader role in lifestyles, demographics, and risk management
Many economists think their profession has something to say about almost everything. This is because nearly everything can be thought of in terms of incentives and constraints.
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Observational studies: answering real-life questions about healthcare practice
By Ruth Whittington ([email protected]) This is the first in a series of four articles about observational studies. It’s our impression that observational studies (also known as “naturalistic studies”) are becoming…
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Industry commentary – Predictors of productivity
By Clare Gurton ([email protected]) There is increasing pressure to describe the benefits of new treatments in terms of increased productivity in the work-place, and many clinical studies are now attempting…
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In praise of eloquence
When the body of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is brought before the Romans, does the bard have them say “Whodunnit?” No, he has Mark Antony deliver the eloquent “Friends, Romans, Countrymen” speech. And the Roman poet Horace showed his lyrical skill with: “Pick today’s fruits, not relying on the future in the slightest.” Carpe diem. He did not, you will note, say “Have a nice day.”
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Risk/benefit decisions – who should be involved, and are there valid measurement methods?
By Clare Gurton ([email protected]) Here we summarise a recent article from ISPOR Connections 2006; December 15: 3–5 Patients are generally not included in decision-making yet they are the group to…
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Making molehills out of mountains – of clinical data
Writing a manuscript can be daunting, even for a seasoned researcher. How does one synthesise a coherent publication out of the mountain of accumulated data?
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4th Annual World Health Care Congress
As we noted in our March issue, HOC will be attending and reporting on the 4th Annual World Health Care Congress held on 22–24 April in Washington, DC, USA. The…
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Industry commentary – Compulsory licences in Thailand override international patents
Merck has slashed the price of anti-HIV drug Efavirenz in Thailand, two months after Thailand announced a compulsory licence to manufacture a generic version.
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How to write a book review
By David Woods So the editor has asked you to write a book review. You’re flattered. After all, the editor has presumably chosen you because you are knowledgeable about the…
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