International Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine (ISSN: 3083-1776) is an international, open-access, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing healthcare by publishing the highest quality evidence syntheses and methodological research.
We invite researchers, clinicians, systematic reviewers, and policymakers to submit their work to a journal committed to methodological rigor and clinical relevance. We are dedicated to disseminating innovative research that helps practitioners interpret and apply medical evidence to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery worldwide.
We seek submissions that address the critical appraisal of medical literature, evidence synthesis, translation of research into practice, and the impact of evidence on health systems.
Priority Topics Include:
- Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses
- Evidence-Based Clinical Guidelines
- Comparative Effectiveness Research
- Bias Assessment & Research Methodology
- Real-World Evidence and Big Data Applications
CURRENT ISSUE
Volume 1, Issue 3, 2026
(Ongoing)
Objective: This systematic review evaluated the cost-effectiveness of fixed-dose combination polypills compared with usual care, standard therapy, or separate monocomponents for secondary cardiovascular disease prevention across different healthcare and income settings.
Methods: The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Dimensions AI, ScienceDirect, and the Tufts Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry were searched for studies published between January 2015 and December 2025. Eligible studies included economic evaluations involving adults with established cardiovascular disease and reporting incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, cost per quality-adjusted life year, cost per disability-adjusted life year, cost savings, or related economic outcomes. Reporting quality was assessed using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards checklist.
Results: Fourteen records were included, comprising 13 full or partial economic evaluations and one Delphi consensus study with policy-relevant contextual interpretation. Most studies were conducted in high-income countries, particularly Spain, while evidence from low- and middle-income countries was limited. Fixed-dose combination polypills were generally reported as cost-effective or cost-saving, mainly driven by improved medication adherence, reduced pill burden, and prevention of recurrent cardiovascular events. Findings were also influenced by methodological factors such as analytic perspective and time horizon adopted across studies.
Conclusion: Fixed-dose combination polypills may offer economic value for secondary cardiovascular disease prevention, but broader implementation should be guided by local cost-effectiveness, affordability, budget impact, and real-world evidence, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
