Should the capability approach be applied in health economics?
Coast, Joanna;
Smith, Richard;
Lorgelly, Paula;
(2008)
Should the capability approach be applied in health economics?
Health economics, 17 (6).
pp. 667-670.
ISSN 1057-9230
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/hec.1359
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This editorial questions the implications of the capability approach for health economics. Two specific issues are considered: the evaluative space of capablities (as opposed to health or utility) and the decision-making principle of maximisation. The paper argues that the capability approach can provide a richer evaluative space enabling improved evaluation of many interventions. It also argues that more thought is needed about the decision-making principles both within the capability approach and within health economics more generally. Specifically, researchers should analyse equity-oriented principles such as equalisation and a 'decent minimum' of capability, rather than presuming that the goal must be the maximisation of capability.