What is a cost-utility analysis?

• A. An economic evaluation comparing costs to outcomes measured in natural units.
• B. An economic evaluation comparing costs to quality-adjusted life years (or similar utility measures).
• C. A qualitative assessment of patient preferences.
• D. A method to maximize profits for a program.

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is that cost-utility analysis evaluates value by linking costs to outcomes measured in utility-based units that reflect both length and quality of life. In this approach, the outcomes are quality-adjusted life years or similar measures, which means each year of life is weighted by a health-related quality-of-life value. This lets you compare very different interventions on a common scale, such as cost per QALY gained, rather than just raw clinical outcomes or natural units like years of life alone.

That’s why the statement describing an economic evaluation that compares costs to quality-adjusted life years (or similar utility measures) is the best fit. It captures the idea of putting a utility weight on health outcomes and using that to assess value.

To contrast briefly: evaluating costs against outcomes in natural units (like years of life gained) is cost-effectiveness analysis, not cost-utility. Relying on qualitative patient preferences alone isn’t a quantitative economic comparison. And a method aimed at maximizing profits isn’t about health outcomes or utilities.