A scoping review of health economic evaluation in the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean region

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Economic evaluations are widely used tools that greatly contribute to evidence-based health policy and decision-making. However, economic evidence is not commonly used in the countries of the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region. Areas covered: The aim of this scoping review is to map the existing literature of health economic evaluation studies in the countries of the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region. Also, the review aims to identify the research gaps in the field of health economic evaluation in the region and finally provide recommendations for research and policy making. We searched six electronic databases. Six items were extracted from each of the included studies: first author, publication year, country of the study, study type, health technology assessed, and perspective. Expert opinion: The quality and quantity of HEE studies should be improved in the region. There is a need to follow evidence-based methodological rigor to aid in informed health-care decision-making and efficient use of health-care resources.