Development Of An Excel-Based Cost Effectiveness Analysis Tool For Ascertaining Value For Money In Implementation Of Hiv And Other Health Interventions At Bomu Hospital, Kenya

Abstract An Organization Capacity Assessment done in Bomu hospital in April 2015 with an aim to strengthen the local institution’s capacity for sustainable fight against HIV Aids pandemic led to the development of this excel-based cost effectiveness analysis tool. Objective: The specific objectives were to develop a cost-effectiveness analysis excel tool complete with instruction manual for use in costing, determining prices of services and carrying out economic evaluations. Method: A technical working team (TWG) comprising of senior management of the hospital and the University of Nairobi Fellow was formed. The TWG identified program where cost indicators would be derived, developed cost indicators collection tools, collected costing data and build necessary consensus and assumptions. The data was used to design the tool complete with working instructions. Results: The tool comprises of processes, instructions, excel data entry provisions and inbuilt formulae in excel sheets. The unique tool features include; simple to use instructions, systematic listing of cost elements with a drop down option to allow selection as required, allows additional cost elements to be added thus increasing scope of use . The tool also separates costs and sub-costs in a manner that allows cost drivers to be known precisely as well as avoid double costing among others. Conclusion: The tool is transferable to other facilities and can be replicated in all hospitals within the country, in private, public and non – governmental organizations. Its regular review, improvements and utilization will be important for the health sector to fully benefit from its use. It will be necessary to sensitize health facilities to address information gaps and also ensure that data is available in form and detail necessary for costing purposes. Key words: Economic evaluation, Costing, Resources, Treatment outcomes