Cost-Benefit Analysis on Community Health Practitioner

Lee, Tae Wha; Ko, Il Sun

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study were to describe outcomes of CHP activities, and to evaluate the economic validity of CHP through a cost-benefit analysis. METHOD: The sample size was 272. Data were collected using a researcher developed questionnaire from November 1999 to March, 2000. RESULT: The mean age of CHPs was 39.6 (SD=.36). In regard to marital status, 90.8% of the respondents were married. 72% of the CHPs had associate degree. Among CHP activities, providing medical services was 50%, followed by home care visits 20% and health promotion services 20%, preventive services 10%. Total costs per month incurred to CHP activities was won3,053,437($2,442.7). Total benefits per month was won6,711,525($5,369.2). Hence, net benefit was calculated as won3,658,089($2,926).
CONCLUSION
Cost-benefit ratio was 2.20, which provides the evidence of the economic viability of CHP program. The result of cost-benefit analysis, however, would more strongly support the economic value of CHP if intangible benefits of CHP activities such as decreases in pain and suffering and increased quality of life, could be counted.