Preventive Service Gains investigates the economic and public health impacts of preventive services like screenings and immunizations, arguing that strategic investment in these areas yields significant long-term benefits. The book highlights the cost-effectiveness of preventive screenings for early disease detection and the broad societal advantages of widespread immunization programs. For example, the book explores the challenge of over-diagnosis in some screening programs and strategies to mitigate this risk.
The book adopts a systems-level approach, integrating health economics, epidemiology, and behavioral science to evaluate the effectiveness and economic impact of various preventive interventions. It begins by establishing a theoretical framework and then analyzes specific interventions, such as mammography, colonoscopies, and public health campaigns. This approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of how preventive services affect healthcare utilization, productivity, and health disparities.
The book provides evidence-based analyses drawn from epidemiological studies, randomized controlled trials, and health insurance data, offering insights into the relationship between preventive service utilization and health outcomes. By connecting economics and public health, Preventive Service Gains informs healthcare policy decisions, resource allocation, and the design of effective public health programs, ultimately aiming to improve population health and well-being.
