Intangible benefits are non-quantifiable outcomes that cannot be easily measured in monetary or numerical terms, such as emotional or psychological benefits. In the context of a free flu vaccination program, the intangible benefit relates to subjective improvements in well-being rather than direct, measurable outcomes like cost savings or reduced hospitalizations.
Option A (Prevention of hospital admissions): This is a tangible benefit, as hospital admissions can be quantified (e.g., number of admissions avoided) and often translated into cost savings, making it measurable.
Option B (Peace of mind among vaccinated persons): Peace of mind is an intangible benefit, as it reflects an emotional or psychological outcome (e.g., reduced anxiety about contracting the flu) that cannot be directly quantified. NAHQ CPHQ study materials recognize intangible benefits in population health initiatives as those that enhance quality of life or perception of safety, making this the correct answer.
Option C (Savings resulting from lower morbidity among unvaccinated persons): This is a tangible benefit, as it involves measurable cost savings due to reduced illness (e.g., fewer outpatient visits or treatments), often calculated through herd immunity effects.
Option D (Savings associated with prevented illness among vaccinated persons): This is also a tangible benefit, as it can be quantified in terms of reduced healthcare costs (e.g., avoided treatments or hospitalizations) for vaccinated individuals.
[Reference: NAHQ CPHQ Study Guide, Domain 5: Population Health and Care Transitions, discusses the evaluation of population health interventions, including distinguishing between tangible (quantifiable) and intangible (non-quantifiable) benefits., , , ]
