Coûtefficacité

Coûtefficacité, often translated as cost-effectiveness, is a principle used to evaluate the relative merits of different options or solutions in relation to their costs. It is a concept widely applied in various fields, including economics, healthcare, public policy, and business management. The core idea behind coûutefficacité is to determine which option provides the greatest benefit or achieves the desired outcome at the lowest possible expense.

To assess coûutefficacité, one typically compares the costs incurred for each option against the benefits or outcomes achieved. This comparison is not simply about minimizing expenditure but about optimizing the relationship between what is spent and what is gained. For instance, in healthcare, a coûutefficacité analysis might compare the cost of a particular treatment with the improvement in a patient's quality of life or the extension of their lifespan. A more coûutefficace treatment would be one that offers a greater health benefit for the same or a lower cost.

The process often involves quantifying both costs and benefits, although in some cases, benefits may be measured in qualitative terms. The goal is to identify the option that offers the best value for money, meaning it delivers the most desirable results relative to its investment. This approach helps decision-makers allocate resources more efficiently and make informed choices that maximize overall welfare or organizational objectives. It is distinct from cost-benefit analysis, which aims to monetize all benefits, whereas coûutefficacité often works with non-monetary measures of outcome.