Broad scope has the appeal of inclusiveness. However, investigators typically find that data are most available and of better quality for direct health costs and related components. Consequently, models restricted to such components tend to require fewer and less bold assumptions than more inclusive models. Even where models have a wider scope, consideration should be given to reporting estimates in a manner that enables a well-defined set of direct costs to be distinguished. Purposes for measuring the burden of injury are diverse, and include support for clinical management decisions, clinical outcomes research, health service resource allocation, monitoring of health status and advocacy.
Different purposes place different demands on measures of burden.
Accordingly, it is necessary to be clear about purposes and to select appropriate methods for a particular purpose. In summary, measuring the burden of injury is a challenge. There is strong demand for findings. Methods and theory are improving, but important weaknesses remain.