Written specifically to help non-economists involved in managerial decision-making in the NHS, this book guides health care providers towards a better understanding of health economics. Detailing the ways health economics can aid managers in making more informed decisions, particularly in a time of budget constraints and rationing, the book also includes a number of case studies and worked examples. The author's clear interpretation of a complex topic will help health service managers understand the importance of economics in both service planning and appraisal. Among the topics covered in detail are: the cost of illness and cost measurement; outcome measurement; design of economic evaluations; Quality Adjusted Life Years; evidence-based medicine, prioritization and rationing and; assessing and using economic evaluations.