In contrast, see Probabilistic analysis Diagnostic odds ratio The diagnostic odds ratio is a measure of the effectiveness of a diagnostic test. It is defined as the ratio of the odds of the test being positive if the subject has a disease relative to the odds of the test being positive if the subject does not have the disease. Discounting Costs and perhaps benefits incurred today have a higher value than costs and benefits occurring in the future. Discounting health benefits reflects individual preference for benefits to be experienced in the present rather than the future. Discounting costs reflects individual preference for costs to be experienced in the future rather than the present. Disutility The loss of quality of life associated with having a disease or condition. See Utility Dominance A health economics term. When comparing tests or treatments, an option that is both less effective and costs more is said to be dominated by the alternative. Drop-out A participant who withdraws from a trial before the end. Economic evaluation An economic evaluation is used to assess the cost effectiveness of healthcare interventions (that is, to compare the costs and benefits of a healthcare intervention to assess whether it is worth doing). The aim of an economic evaluation is to maximise the level of benefits health effects relative to the resources available. It should be used to inform and support Chronic Heart Failure Glossary NICE 2018. All rights reserved. Subject to Notice of rights. ISBN: 978-1-4731-3093-7 Term Definition the decision-making process; it is not supposed to replace the judgement of healthcare professionals. There are several types of economic evaluation: cost benefit analysis, cost consequences analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-minimisation analysis and cost utility analysis. 