How does the ICER framework contribute to the understanding of cost-effectiveness?

The ICER (Institute for Clinical and Economic Review) framework plays a significant role in understanding cost-effectiveness by enabling comparisons of different healthcare interventions. This framework emphasizes the value of treatments and diagnostic tools in relation to their costs and effectiveness, allowing healthcare providers, policymakers, and payers to analyze how well various healthcare options perform relative to their costs.

This comparison helps stakeholders make informed decisions about resource allocation and prioritizing health interventions that provide the most significant benefit relative to their cost. Evaluating a variety of interventions—whether they be medications, surgical procedures, or diagnostic tests—facilitates a better understanding of which options deliver desired health outcomes in a cost-effective manner. Thus, the ICER framework's ability to compare various healthcare interventions is crucial for promoting efficient and effective healthcare delivery.