Economic evaluations of homeopathy: – positive indications but better studies needed

A paper presenting a balanced review of economic evaluations of homeopathy has just been published in the European Journal of Health Economics. Under “Results” the authors record: Eight out of 14 studies found improvements in patients’ health together with cost savings. Four studies found that improvements in homeopathy patients were at least as good as in control group patients, at comparable costs. Two studies found improvements similar to conventional treatment, but at higher costs. Studies were highly heterogeneous and had several methodological weaknesses.

They conclude: Although the identified evidence of the costs and potential benefits of homeopathy seemed promising, studies were highly heterogeneous and had several methodological weaknesses. It is therefore not possible to draw firm conclusions based on existing economic evaluations of homeopathy. The authors end by making recommendations for future research in the area.

The full abstract and paid access to the full article can be found here: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10198-013-0462-7