Ten steps are identified and explained to assist the performance of a cost-effectiveness
analysis (CEA) study. The article is presentedfrom the standpoint of an important social
problem that can be elucidated by the CEA procedure. The ten steps outlined generally
follow the scientific method, beginning with stating the problem and defining objectives,
continuing through identifying alternatives, establishing measures of effectiveness, and
formulating and testing a model program. A discussion of selecting alternatives based on
different approaches used to conduct the CEA evaluation itself concludes the article.
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