The need for evidence-based decisions that take account of both effectiveness and economics is greater now than ever. Using case studies and illustrative examples throughout the authors describe how the activities and outputs of evidence synthesis, systematic review, economic analysis and decision-making interact within and across different spheres of health and social policy and practice.

Expanding on the first edition the book now covers approaches to evidence synthesis that combine economics and systematic review methods in the applied fields of social welfare, education and criminal justice, as well as health care. Written by economists and health services researchers closely involved in developing evidence-based policy and practice it showcases current state-of-the-art methodology and will be an invaluable read for all policy-makers and practitioners using evidence to inform decisions, analysts conducting research to support decisions and students discovering the need for evidence-based decisions to incorporate economic perspectives and evidence.

Ian Shemilt

Senior Research Associate, School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK

Miranda Mugford

Professor of Health Economics, School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK

Luke Vale

Professor of Health Technology Assessment, Health Economics Research Unit and Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK

Kevin Marsh

Head of Economic Evaluation, Matrix Knowledge Group, London, UK

Cam Donaldson

Yunus Chair in Social Business and Health, NIHR Senior Investigator, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK