Examining cost methodologies in survey-based observational studies in stroke: A protocol for a scoping review.

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>Stroke poses a significant burden globally, making economic evaluations important. However, differences in cost methodologies and data sources challenge the interpretability and comparability across studies. Additionally, stroke presents challenges related to memory recall, affecting the reliability of patient-reported outcomes. While previous reviews have identified variations in cost methodologies within stroke research, there is a lack of literature specifically examining the cost methods used in survey-based observational studies, particularly given the distinct complexities associated with stroke. This protocol outlines a scoping review to identify and examine the cost methodologies employed in stroke research, focusing on data collection approaches, measurement and valuation of cost components, and sources of cost information. The review will also document the limitations highlighted in the identified studies regarding the cost methods and their recommendations for future studies.<h4>Methods</h4>The JBI methodology will be used to develop this review. Articles will be sourced from Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science. The Population, Concept, and Context framework will guide the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Observational studies involving stroke patients or survivors aged 18 years and older that used surveys for data collection and incorporated a cost analysis component, and published in English within the last 20 years across all geographical regions will be considered. Articles will be entered into Covidence, where two reviewers will independently screen and extract/check data. A data collection template will guide the data extraction process for analysis and narrative synthesis. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis extension for Scoping Reviews will guide the reporting.<h4>Conclusion</h4>This scoping review will examine the cost methodologies used in survey-based observational studies in stroke research. The findings may inform the cost methodologies employed in future observational studies in stroke using surveys as a data collection tool.