Question

Given the hospital’s patient population (i.e. college students with acute alcohol poisoning), only two drugs are being considered: dihydrocodeine and coproxamol. We make the following assumptions: both drugs are equally effective when dosed correctly; and the average length of treatment is 10 days. A 10 day supply of dihydrocodeine costs the hospital GHS50. Of all the patients who take dihydrocodeine, 15% will develop serious constipation and require dulcolax which costs an additional GHS15. A 10 day supply of coproxamol cost the hospital GHS100. Of all the patients who receive coproxamol, 20% will develop nausea (unrelated to a hangover) which costs an additional GHS10 to treat. Complete the decision tree and determine which of the options is cost effective.

Answer 1