Demystifying cost-effectiveness in healthcare: A practical guide to decision modelling

Authors: Andrew Briggs, Mark Sculpher, Karl Claxton

Target Audience: Health professionals, researchers, and economists seeking to evaluate healthcare interventions.

Key Focus: Equip readers with the skills to build and apply decision models, a powerful tool for assessing the cost-effectiveness of healthcare options.

Content:

• Navigating the decision modelling landscape: Understand the role of models, key concepts like decision trees and Markov models, and the importance of accounting for uncertainty.
• Building your decision model toolbox: Learn the practical steps of constructing different model types, from defining the structure to populating with data and analyzing results. Numerous examples and exercises guide your application.
• Delving deeper: Explore advanced techniques like discrete-event simulation and delve into crucial aspects like model validation, sensitivity analysis, and cost-effectiveness analysis. Ethical considerations and the impact on policymaking are also addressed.

Key Takeaways:

• Decision modelling empowers you to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of healthcare interventions in a structured and quantitative manner.
• Master different model types to tailor your approach to specific healthcare scenarios.
• Careful planning and attention to detail are crucial for building reliable and informative models.
• Uncertainty is inherent in healthcare, and models should incorporate it for robust decision-making.
• Decision models can inform policy choices and ultimately improve healthcare outcomes.

Strengths:

• Practical and user-friendly with real-world examples and exercises.
• Covers a comprehensive range of decision modelling techniques.
• Emphasizes the importance of uncertainty and ethical considerations.

Overall:

This book offers a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand and use decision modelling for cost-effectiveness analysis in healthcare. While prior knowledge is helpful, the clear explanations and practical examples make it accessible to those new to the field. Experienced modellers may find it introductory, but the breadth of topics ensures its relevance across various skill levels.

Remember, consulting the full book and seeking professional guidance are crucial for effectively applying decision modelling in healthcare settings.