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Sun D, O'Mahony JF, Lansdorp-Vogelaar I. Reply to Shiratori et al. Gastroenterology 2024:S0016-5085(24)04934-5. [PMID: 38768691 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Dianqin Sun
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Iris Lansdorp-Vogelaar
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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2
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Paulden M, Sampson C, O'Mahony JF, Spackman E, McCabe C, Round J, Snowsill T. Decision Makers Should Avoid the Health Years in Total Approach. Value Health 2024:S1098-3015(24)02338-6. [PMID: 38636696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Mike Paulden
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | | | | | - Eldon Spackman
- Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Christopher McCabe
- Centre for Public Health and Queens Management School, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Jeff Round
- Institute of Health Economics, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Tristan Snowsill
- Health Economics Group, University of Exeter, Exeter, England, UK
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Mülder DT, Hahn AI, Huang RJ, Zhou MJ, Blake B, Omofuma O, Murphy JD, Gutiérrez-Torres DS, Zauber AG, O'Mahony JF, Camargo MC, Ladabaum U, Yeh JM, Hur C, Lansdorp-Vogelaar I, Meester R, Laszkowska M. Prevalence of Gastric Precursor Lesions in Countries With Differential Gastric Cancer Burden: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024:S1542-3565(24)00227-1. [PMID: 38438000 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The prevalence of precursor lesions for gastric cancer (GC) and the differential burden between countries of varying GC risk is not well-understood. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the global prevalence of precursor lesions. METHODS We estimated the prevalence of atrophic gastritis (AG), gastric intestinal metaplasia (IM), and dysplasia in regions with low, medium, and high GC incidence. Because IM is an advanced manifestation of AG, we assessed the prevalence of less advanced precursors, regardless of the presence of more advanced lesions. Prevalence was sub-stratified by Helicobacter pylori infection, symptomatology, and period (<2000, 2000-2010, and >2010). RESULTS Among the 582 articles that underwent full-text review, 166 studies met inclusion criteria. The global prevalence estimates of AG, IM, and dysplasia were 25.4%, 16.2%, and 2.0%, respectively, on the basis of 126 studies that reported the prevalence of less advanced precursors, regardless of the presence of more advanced lesions. The prevalence of all precursor lesions was higher in high and medium compared with low GC incidence countries (P < .01). Prevalence of AG and IM was significantly higher among H pylori-infected individuals (P < .01) but not statistically different between symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals (P > .17). All precursors demonstrated a secular decrease in prevalence over time. CONCLUSIONS Gastric precursor lesions have differences in prevalence in regions with differential GC incidence and are associated with H pylori infection. Because of the substantial prevalence of precursor lesions in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, symptomatic evaluation may not be sufficient to identify individuals at risk. These estimates provide important insights for tailoring GC prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duco T Mülder
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anne I Hahn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Robert J Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Margaret J Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Benjamin Blake
- Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - Omonefe Omofuma
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - John D Murphy
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | | | - Ann G Zauber
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands; School of Economics, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M Constanza Camargo
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Uri Ladabaum
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Jennifer M Yeh
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Chin Hur
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Reinier Meester
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Health Economics & Outcomes Research, Freenome Holdings Inc, San Francisco, California
| | - Monika Laszkowska
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Service, Department of Subspecialty Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
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Paulden M, Sampson C, O'Mahony JF, Spackman E, McCabe C, Round J, Snowsill T. Logical Inconsistencies in the Health Years in Total and Equal Value of Life-Years Gained. Value Health 2024; 27:356-366. [PMID: 38048985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2023.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess whether recently proposed alternatives to the quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), intended to address concerns about discrimination, are suitable for informing resource allocation decisions. METHODS We consider 2 alternatives to the QALY: the health years in total (HYT), recently proposed by Basu et al, and the equal value of life-years gained (evLYG), currently used by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review. For completeness we also consider unweighted life-years (LYs). Using a hypothetical example comparing 3 mutually exclusive treatment options, we consider how calculations are performed under each approach and whether the resulting rankings are logically consistent. We also explore some further challenges that arise from the unique properties of the HYT approach. RESULTS The HYT and evLYG approaches can result in logical inconsistencies that do not arise under the QALY or LY approaches. HYT can violate the independence of irrelevant alternatives axiom, whereas the evLYG can produce an unstable ranking of treatment options. HYT have additional issues, including an implausible assumption that the utilities associated with health-related quality of life and LYs are "separable," and a consideration of "counterfactual" health-related quality of life for patients who are dead. CONCLUSIONS The HYT and evLYG approaches can result in logically inconsistent decisions. We recommend that decision makers avoid these approaches and that the logical consistency of any approaches proposed in future be thoroughly explored before considering their use in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Paulden
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | | | | | - Eldon Spackman
- Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Christopher McCabe
- Centre for Public Health and Queens Management School, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Jeff Round
- Institute of Health Economics, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Tristan Snowsill
- Health Economics Group, University of Exeter, Exeter, England, UK
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Sun D, Mülder DT, Li Y, Nieboer D, Park JY, Suh M, Hamashima C, Han W, O'Mahony JF, Lansdorp-Vogelaar I. The Effect of Nationwide Organized Cancer Screening Programs on Gastric Cancer Mortality: A Synthetic Control Study. Gastroenterology 2024; 166:503-514. [PMID: 38007053 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2023.11.286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Nationwide organized gastric cancer (GC) screening programs have been running for decades in South Korea and Japan. This study conducted a quasi-experimental analysis to assess the population impact of these programs on GC mortality. METHODS We used the flexible synthetic control method (SCM) to estimate the effect of the screening programs on age-standardized GC mortality and other upper gastrointestinal (UGI) diseases (esophageal cancer and peptic ulcer) among people aged ≥40 years. World Health Organization mortality data and country-level covariates from the World Bank and the Global Burden of Diseases study were used for the analyses. We compared postintervention trends in outcome with the counterfactual trend of the synthetic control and estimated average postintervention rate ratios (RRs) with associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A series of sensitivity analyses were conducted. RESULTS The preintervention fits were acceptable for the analyses of South Korea and Japan's GC mortality but poor for Japan's other UGI disease mortality. The average postintervention RRs were 0.83 (95% CI, 0.71-0.96) for GC mortality and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.57-0.90) for other UGI disease mortality in South Korea. The RR reached 0.59 by the 15th year after the initiation of nationwide screening. For Japan, the average RRs were 0.97 (95% CI, 0.88-1.07) for GC mortality and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.68-1.28) for other UGI disease mortality. Sensitivity analysis reveals the result for Japan may potentially be biased. CONCLUSIONS South Korea's nationwide GC screening has apparent benefits, whereas the Japanese program's effectiveness is uncertain. The experiences of South Korea and Japan could serve as a reference for other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianqin Sun
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Duco T Mülder
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yige Li
- CAUSALab, Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daan Nieboer
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jin Young Park
- Early Detection, Prevention, and Infections Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Mina Suh
- National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Chisato Hamashima
- Division of Health Policy, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Weiran Han
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; School of Economics, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Iris Lansdorp-Vogelaar
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Mülder DT, van den Puttelaar R, Meester RGS, O'Mahony JF, Lansdorp-Vogelaar I. Development and validation of colorectal cancer risk prediction tools: A comparison of models. Int J Med Inform 2023; 178:105194. [PMID: 37633115 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of individuals at elevated risk can improve cancer screening programmes by permitting risk-adjusted screening intensities. Previous work introduced a prognostic model using sex, age and two preceding faecal haemoglobin concentrations to predict the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the next screening round. Using data of 3 screening rounds, this model attained an area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.78 for predicting advanced neoplasia (AN). We validated this existing logistic regression (LR) model and attempted to improve it by applying a more flexible machine-learning approach. METHODS We trained an existing LR and a newly developed random forest (RF) model using updated data from 219,257 third-round participants of the Dutch CRC screening programme until 2018. For both models, we performed two separate out-of-sample validations using 1,137,599 third-round participants after 2018 and 192,793 fourth-round participants from 2020 onwards. We evaluated the AUC and relative risks of the predicted high-risk groups for the outcomes AN and CRC. RESULTS For third-round participants after 2018, the AUC for predicting AN was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.76-0.77) using LR and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.77-0.77) using RF. For fourth-round participants, the AUCs were 0.73 (95% CI: 0.72-0.74) and 0.73 (95% CI: 0.72-0.74) for the LR and RF models, respectively. For both models, the 5% with the highest predicted risk had a 7-fold risk of AN compared to average, whereas the lowest 80% had a risk below the population average for third-round participants. CONCLUSION The LR is a valid risk prediction method in stool-based screening programmes. Although predictive performance declined marginally, the LR model still effectively predicted risk in subsequent screening rounds. An RF did not improve CRC risk prediction compared to an LR, probably due to the limited number of available explanatory variables. The LR remains the preferred prediction tool because of its interpretability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duco T Mülder
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
| | | | - Reinier G S Meester
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Health Economics & Outcomes Research, Freenome Holdings Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Centre for Health Policy & Management, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Charlton V, DiStefano M, Mitchell P, Morrell L, Rand L, Badano G, Baker R, Calnan M, Chalkidou K, Culyer A, Howdon D, Hughes D, Lomas J, Max C, McCabe C, O'Mahony JF, Paulden M, Pemberton-Whiteley Z, Rid A, Scuffham P, Sculpher M, Shah K, Weale A, Wester G. We need to talk about values: a proposed framework for the articulation of normative reasoning in health technology assessment. Health Econ Policy Law 2023:1-21. [PMID: 37752732 DOI: 10.1017/s1744133123000038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
It is acknowledged that health technology assessment (HTA) is an inherently value-based activity that makes use of normative reasoning alongside empirical evidence. But the language used to conceptualise and articulate HTA's normative aspects is demonstrably unnuanced, imprecise, and inconsistently employed, undermining transparency and preventing proper scrutiny of the rationales on which decisions are based. This paper - developed through a cross-disciplinary collaboration of 24 researchers with expertise in healthcare priority-setting - seeks to address this problem by offering a clear definition of key terms and distinguishing between the types of normative commitment invoked during HTA, thus providing a novel conceptual framework for the articulation of reasoning. Through application to a hypothetical case, it is illustrated how this framework can operate as a practical tool through which HTA practitioners and policymakers can enhance the transparency and coherence of their decision-making, while enabling others to hold them more easily to account. The framework is offered as a starting point for further discussion amongst those with a desire to enhance the legitimacy and fairness of HTA by facilitating practical public reasoning, in which decisions are made on behalf of the public, in public view, through a chain of reasoning that withstands ethical scrutiny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Charlton
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Michael DiStefano
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Polly Mitchell
- School of Education, Communication and Society, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Liz Morrell
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Leah Rand
- Program on Regulation, Therapeutics and Law, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Rachel Baker
- Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Michael Calnan
- School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | | | - Anthony Culyer
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK
| | - Daniel Howdon
- Academic Unit of Health Economics, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Dyfrig Hughes
- Centre for Health Economics and Medicines Evaluation, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - James Lomas
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Christopher McCabe
- Centre for Public Health and Queens Management School, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mike Paulden
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Annette Rid
- Department of Bioethics, The Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paul Scuffham
- Centre for Applied Health Economics, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Mark Sculpher
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK
| | - Koonal Shah
- Science Policy and Research Programme, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, London, UK
| | - Albert Weale
- School of Public Policy, University College London, London, UK
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Pokharel R, Lin YS, McFerran E, O'Mahony JF. A Systematic Review of Cost-Effectiveness Analyses of Colorectal Cancer Screening in Europe: Have Studies Included Optimal Screening Intensities? Appl Health Econ Health Policy 2023; 21:701-717. [PMID: 37380865 PMCID: PMC10403417 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-023-00819-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the range of strategies analysed in European cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with respect to the screening intervals, age ranges and test cut-offs used to define positivity, to examine how this might influence what strategies are found to be optimal, and compare them with the current screening policies with a focus on the screening interval. METHODS We searched PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus for peer-reviewed, model-based CEAs of CRC screening. We included studies on average-risk European populations using the guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBT) or faecal immunochemical test (FIT). We adapted Drummond's ten-point checklist to appraise study quality. RESULTS We included 39 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Biennial screening was the most frequently used interval which was analysed in 37 studies. Annual screening was assessed in 13 studies, all of which found it optimally cost-effective. Despite this, 25 of 26 European stool-based programmes use biennial screening. Many CEAs did not vary the age range, but the 14 that did generally found broader ranges optimal. Only 11 studies considered alternative FIT cut-offs, 9 of which found lower cut-offs superior. Conflicts between current policy and CEA evidence are less clear regarding age ranges and cut-offs. CONCLUSIONS The existing CEA evidence indicates that the widely adopted biennial frequency of stool-based testing in Europe is suboptimal. It is likely that many more lives could be saved throughout Europe if programmes could be offered with more intensive annual screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajani Pokharel
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Yi-Shu Lin
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ethna McFerran
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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9
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Scheffer MMJ, Coffeng LE, O'Mahony JF. Appropriateness of strategy comparisons in cost-effectiveness analyses of infant pneumococcal vaccination: a systematic review. Int J Technol Assess Health Care 2023; 39:e42. [PMID: 37435736 DOI: 10.1017/s0266462323000351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) is the standard framework for informing the efficient allocation of scarce healthcare resources. The importance of considering all relevant intervention strategies and appropriate incremental comparisons have both long been recognized in CEA. Failure to apply methods correctly can lead to suboptimal policies. Our objective is to assess if CEAs of infant pneumococcal vaccination apply appropriate methods with respect to the completeness of strategies assessed and incremental comparisons between them. METHODS We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases and performed a comparative analysis of the retrieved pneumococcal vaccination CEAs. We checked the appropriateness of the incremental analyses by attempting to replicate the published incremental cost-effectiveness (CE) ratios from the reported costs and health effects. RESULTS Our search returned twenty-nine eligible articles. Most studies failed to recognize one or more intervention strategies (n = 21). Incremental comparisons were questionable in four CEAs and insufficient reporting of cost and health effect estimates was identified in three studies. Overall, we only found four studies that made appropriate comparisons between all strategies. Lastly, study findings appear to be strongly associated with manufacturer sponsorship. CONCLUSIONS We found considerable scope for improvement regarding strategy comparison in the infant pneumococcal vaccination literature. To prevent overestimation of the CE of new vaccines, we urge greater adherence to existing guidelines recommending that all available strategies are evaluated to capture relevant comparators for CE evaluation. Closer adherence to existing guidelines will generate better evidence, leading to more effective vaccination policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariska M J Scheffer
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Care and Participation of People with Chronic Conditions, Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Luc E Coffeng
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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10
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Lin YS, O'Mahony JF, van Rosmalen J. A Simple Cost-Effectiveness Model of Screening: An Open-Source Teaching and Research Tool Coded in R. Pharmacoecon Open 2023:10.1007/s41669-023-00414-1. [PMID: 37261616 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-023-00414-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Applied cost-effectiveness analysis models are an important tool for assessing health and economic effects of healthcare interventions but are not best suited for illustrating methods. Our objective is to provide a simple, open-source model for the simulation of disease-screening cost-effectiveness for teaching and research purposes. We introduce our model and provide an initial application to examine changes to the efficiency frontier as input parameters vary and to demonstrate face validity. We described a vectorised, discrete-event simulation of screening in R with an Excel interface to define parameters and inspect principal results. An R Shiny app permits dynamic interpretation of simulation outputs. An example with 8161 screening strategies illustrates the cost and effectiveness of varying the disease sojourn time, treatment effectiveness, and test performance characteristics and costs on screening policies. Many of our findings are intuitive and straightforward, such as a reduction in screening costs leading to decreased overall costs and improved cost-effectiveness. Others are less obvious and depend on whether we consider gross outcomes or those net to no screening. For instance, enhanced treatment of symptomatic disease increases gross effectiveness, but reduces the net effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of screening. A lengthening of the preclinical sojourn time has ambiguous effects relative to no screening, as cost-effectiveness improves for some strategies but deteriorates for others. Our simple model offers an accessible platform for methods research and teaching. We hope it will serve as a public good and promote an intuitive understanding of the cost-effectiveness of screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Shu Lin
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin, D02 T253, Ireland.
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin, D02 T253, Ireland
| | - Joost van Rosmalen
- Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Vancoppenolle JM, Koole SN, O'Mahony JF, Franzen N, Burgers JA, Retèl VP, van Harten WH. Targeted combination therapies in oncology: challenging regulatory frameworks designed for monotherapies in Europe. Drug Discov Today 2023:103620. [PMID: 37201780 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The pharmaceutical value chain, including clinical trials, pricing, access, and reimbursement, is designed for classical monotherapies. Although there has been a paradigm shift that increases the relevance of targeted combination therapies (TCTs), regulation and common practice have been slow to adapt. We explored access to 23 TCTs for advanced melanoma and lung cancer as reported by 19 specialists from 17 leading cancer institutions in nine European countries. We find heterogeneous patient access to TCTs between countries, differences in country-specific regulations, and differences in the clinical practice of melanoma and lung cancer. Regulation that is better tailored to the context of combinational therapies can increase equity in access across Europe and promote an evidence-based and authorized use of combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Vancoppenolle
- The European Fain Pricing Network, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Health Technology and Services Research Department, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Simone N Koole
- The European Fain Pricing Network, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Organization of European Cancer Institutes (OECI), Brussels B 1000, Belgium; Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nora Franzen
- The European Fain Pricing Network, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Health Technology and Services Research Department, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Jacobus A Burgers
- Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Valesca P Retèl
- Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Health Technology and Services Research Department, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Willem H van Harten
- The European Fain Pricing Network, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Health Technology and Services Research Department, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands; Organization of European Cancer Institutes (OECI), Brussels B 1000, Belgium.
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Kinchin I, Walshe V, Normand C, Coast J, Elliott R, Kroll T, Kinghorn P, Thompson A, Viney R, Currow D, O'Mahony JF. Expanding health technology assessment towards broader value: Ireland as a case study. Int J Technol Assess Health Care 2023; 39:e26. [PMID: 37129030 DOI: 10.1017/s0266462323000235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Healthcare innovations often represent important improvements in population welfare, but at what cost, and to whom? Health technology assessment (HTA) is a multidisciplinary process to inform resource allocation. HTA is conventionally anchored on health maximization as the only relevant output of health services. If we accept the proposition that health technologies can generate value outside the healthcare system, resource allocation decisions could be suboptimal from a societal perspective. Incorporating "broader value" in HTA as derived from social values and patient experience could provide a richer evaluative space for informing resource allocation decisions. This article considers how HTA is practiced and what its current context implies for adopting "broader value" to evaluating health technologies. Methodological challenges are highlighted, as is a future research agenda. Ireland serves as an example of a healthcare system that both has an explicit role for HTA and is evolving under a current program of reform to offer universal, single-tier access to public services. There are various ways in which HTA processes could move beyond health, including considering the processes of care delivery and/or expanding the evaluative space to some broader concept of well-being. Methods to facilitate the latter exist, but their adaptation to HTA is still emerging. We recommend a multi-stakeholder working group to develop and advance an international agenda for HTA that captures welfare/benefit beyond health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Kinchin
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Charles Normand
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joanna Coast
- Bristol Population Health Science Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Rachel Elliott
- Manchester Centre for Health Economics, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Thilo Kroll
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Philip Kinghorn
- Health Economics Unit, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alexander Thompson
- Manchester Centre for Health Economics, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rosalie Viney
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation (CHERE), University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - David Currow
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Fabbro M, Hahn K, Novaes O, Ó'Grálaigh M, O'Mahony JF. Cost-Effectiveness Analyses of Lung Cancer Screening Using Low-Dose Computed Tomography: A Systematic Review Assessing Strategy Comparison and Risk Stratification. Pharmacoecon Open 2022; 6:773-786. [PMID: 36040557 PMCID: PMC9596656 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-022-00346-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our first study objective was to assess the range of lung cancer screening intervals compared within cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) and to examine the implications for the strategies identified as optimally cost effective; the second objective was to examine if and how risk subgroup-specific policies were considered. METHODS PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched for model-based CEAs of LDCT lung screening. The retrieved studies were assessed to examine if the analyses considered sufficient strategy variation to permit incremental estimation of cost effectiveness. Regarding risk selection, we examined if analyses considered alternative risk strata in separate analyses or as alternative risk-based eligibility criteria for screening. RESULTS The search identified 33 eligible CEAs, 23 of which only considered one screening frequency. Of the 10 analyses considering multiple screening intervals, only 4 included intervals longer than 2 years. Within the 10 studies considering multiple intervals, the optimal policy choice would differ in 5 if biennial intervals or longer had not been considered. Nineteen studies conducted risk subgroup analyses, 12 of which assumed that subgroup-specific policies were possible and 7 of which assumed that a common screening policy applies to all those screened. CONCLUSIONS The comparison of multiple strategies is recognised as good practice in CEA when seeking optimal policies. Studies that do include multiple intervals indicate that screening intervals longer than 1 year can be relevant. The omission of intervals of 2 years or longer from CEAs of LDCT screening could lead to the adoption of sub-optimal policies. There also is scope for greater consideration of risk-stratified policies which tailor screening intensity to estimated disease risk. Policy makers should take care when interpreting current evidence before implementing lung screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Fabbro
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kirah Hahn
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Olivia Novaes
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mícheál Ó'Grálaigh
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin, Ireland
| | - James F O'Mahony
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin, Ireland.
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14
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Burger EA, de Kok IMCM, O'Mahony JF, Rebolj M, Jansen EEL, de Bondt DD, Killen J, Hanley SJ, Castanon A, Regan MC, Kim JJ, Canfell K, Smith MA. A model-based analysis of the health impacts of COVID-19 disruptions to primary cervical screening by time since last screen for current and future disruptions. eLife 2022; 11:e81711. [PMID: 36222673 PMCID: PMC9555861 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated how temporary disruptions to primary cervical cancer (CC) screening services may differentially impact women due to heterogeneity in their screening history and test modality. We used three CC models to project the short- and long-term health impacts assuming an underlying primary screening frequency (i.e., 1, 3, 5, or 10 yearly) under three alternative COVID-19-related screening disruption scenarios (i.e., 1-, 2-, or 5-year delay) versus no delay in the context of both cytology-based and human papillomavirus (HPV)-based screening. Models projected a relative increase in symptomatically detected cancer cases during a 1-year delay period that was 38% higher (Policy1-Cervix), 80% higher (Harvard), and 170% higher (MISCAN-Cervix) for underscreened women whose last cytology screen was 5 years prior to the disruption period compared with guidelines-compliant women (i.e., last screen 3 years prior to disruption). Over a woman's lifetime, temporary COVID-19-related delays had less impact on lifetime risk of developing CC than screening frequency and test modality; however, CC risks increased disproportionately the longer time had elapsed since a woman's last screen at the time of the disruption. Excess risks for a given delay period were generally lower for HPV-based screeners than for cytology-based screeners. Our independent models predicted that the main drivers of CC risk were screening frequency and screening modality, and the overall impact of disruptions from the pandemic on CC outcomes may be small. However, screening disruptions disproportionately affect underscreened women, underpinning the importance of reaching such women as a critical area of focus, regardless of temporary disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Burger
- Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonUnited States
- Department of Health Management and Health Economics, University of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Inge MCM de Kok
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamNetherlands
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy & Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Matejka Rebolj
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Erik EL Jansen
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamNetherlands
| | - Daniel D de Bondt
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamNetherlands
| | - James Killen
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSWSydneyAustralia
| | - Sharon J Hanley
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health SciencesSapporoJapan
| | - Alejandra Castanon
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Mary Caroline Regan
- Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonUnited States
| | - Jane J Kim
- Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonUnited States
| | - Karen Canfell
- Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSWSydneyAustralia
| | - Megan A Smith
- Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSWSydneyAustralia
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15
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Burger EA, de Kok IMCM, O'Mahony JF, Rebolj M, Jansen EEL, de Bondt DD, Killen J, Hanley SJ, Castanon A, Kim JJ, Canfell K, Smith MA, Regan MC. Health impacts of COVID-19 disruptions to primary cervical screening by time since last screen: A model-based analysis for current and future disruptions. medRxiv 2022:2022.07.25.22278011. [PMID: 35923317 PMCID: PMC9347288 DOI: 10.1101/2022.07.25.22278011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background We evaluated how temporary disruptions to primary cervical cancer (CC) screening services may differentially impact women due to heterogeneity in their screening history and test modality. Methods We used three CC models to project the short- and long-term health impacts assuming an underlying primary screening frequency (i.e., 1, 3, 5, or 10 yearly) under three alternative COVID-19-related screening disruption scenarios (i.e., 1-, 2- or 5-year delay) versus no delay, in the context of both cytology-based and HPV-based screening. Results Models projected a relative increase in symptomatically-detected cancer cases during a 1-year delay period that was 38% higher (Policy1-Cervix), 80% higher (Harvard) and 170% higher (MISCAN-Cervix) for under-screened women whose last cytology screen was 5 years prior to the disruption period compared with guidelines-compliant women (i.e., last screen three years prior to disruption). Over a woman's lifetime, temporary COVID-19-related delays had less impact on lifetime risk of developing CC than screening frequency and test modality; however, CC risks increased disproportionately the longer time had elapsed since a woman's last screen at the time of the disruption. Excess risks for a given delay period were generally lower for HPV-based screeners than for cytology-based screeners. Conclusions Our independent models predicted that the main drivers of CC risk were screening frequency and screening modality, and the overall impact of disruptions from the pandemic on CC outcomes may be small. However, screening disruptions disproportionately affect under-screened women, underpinning the importance of reaching such women as a critical area of focus, regardless of temporary disruptions. Funding This study was supported by funding from the National Cancer Institute (U01CA199334). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the National Cancer Institute. Megan A Smith receives salary support from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia (APP1159491) and Cancer Institute NSW (ECF181561). Matejka Rebolj is funded by Cancer Research UK (reference: C8162/A27047). James O'Mahony is funded by Ireland's Health Research Board (EIA2017054). Karen Canfell receives salary support from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia (APP1194679). Emily A. Burger receives salary support from the Norwegian Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Burger
- Department of Health Management and Health Economics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inge M C M de Kok
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy & Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Matejka Rebolj
- King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erik E L Jansen
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel D de Bondt
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - James Killen
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sharon J Hanley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Alejandra Castanon
- King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jane J Kim
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Center for Health Decision Science, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karen Canfell
- Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Megan A Smith
- Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mary Caroline Regan
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Center for Health Decision Science, Boston, MA, USA
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16
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Larkin J, Moriarty F, McGuinness S, Finucane K, Fitzgerald K, Smith SM, O'Mahony JF. Variation of prescription drug prices in community pharmacies: A national cross-sectional study. Res Social Adm Pharm 2022; 18:3736-3743. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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17
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Almajed S, Alotaibi N, Zulfiqar S, Dhuhaibawi Z, O'Rourke N, Gaule R, Byrne C, Barry AM, Keeley D, O'Mahony JF. Cost-effectiveness evidence on approved cancer drugs in Ireland: the limits of data availability and implications for public accountability. Eur J Health Econ 2022; 23:375-431. [PMID: 34460007 PMCID: PMC8964600 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-021-01365-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We surveyed evidence published by Ireland's National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) on the cost-effectiveness of cancer drugs approved for funding within the Irish public healthcare system. The purpose is threefold: to assess the completeness and clarity of publicly available cost-effectiveness data of such therapies; to provide summary estimates of that data; to consider the implications of constraints on data availability for accountability regarding healthcare resource allocation. METHODS The National Cancer Control Programme lists 91 drug-indication pairs approved between June 2012 and July 2020. Records were retrieved from the NCPE website for each drug-indication pair, including, where available, health technology assessment (HTA) summary reports. We assessed what cost-effectiveness data regarding approved interventions is available, aggregated it and considered the consequences of reporting constraints. RESULTS Among the 91 drug-indication pairs 61 were reimbursed following full HTA, 22 after a rapid review process and 8 have no corresponding NCPE record. Of the 61 where an HTA report was available, 41 presented costs and quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) estimates of the interventions compared. Cost estimates and corresponding incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) are based on prices on application for reimbursement. Reimbursed prices are not published. Aggregating over the drug-indication pairs for which data is available, we find a mean incremental health gain of 0.85 QALY and an aggregate ICER of €100,295/QALY, which exceeds Ireland's cost-effectiveness threshold of €45,000/QALY. CONCLUSION Reimbursement applications by pharmaceutical manufacturers for cancer drugs typically exceed Ireland's cost-effectiveness threshold, often by a considerable margin. On aggregate, the additional total net cost of new drugs relative to current treatments needs to be more than halved for the prices sought on application to be justified for reimbursement. Commercial confidentiality regarding prices and cost-effectiveness upon reimbursement compromises accountability regarding the fair and efficient allocation of scarce healthcare resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suaad Almajed
- School of Medicine Trinity College, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Nora Alotaibi
- School of Medicine Trinity College, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Sana Zulfiqar
- School of Medicine Trinity College, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Zahraa Dhuhaibawi
- School of Medicine Trinity College, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Niall O'Rourke
- School of Medicine Trinity College, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Richard Gaule
- School of Medicine Trinity College, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Caoimhe Byrne
- School of Medicine Trinity College, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Aaron M Barry
- School of Medicine Trinity College, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Dylan Keeley
- School of Medicine Trinity College, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - James F O'Mahony
- School of Medicine Trinity College, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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18
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Abstract
Introduction There is increasing interest in risk-stratified approaches to cancer
screening in cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA). Current CEA practice
regarding risk stratification is heterogeneous and guidance on the best
approach is lacking. This article suggests how stratification in CEA can be
improved. Methods I use a simple example of a hypothetical screening intervention with 3
potential recipient risk strata. The screening intervention has 6
alternative intensities, each with different costs and effects, all of which
vary between strata. I consider a series of alternative stratification
approaches, demonstrating the consequences for estimated costs, effects, and
the choice of optimal strategy. I supplement this analysis with applied
examples from the literature. Results Adopting the same screening policy for all strata yields the least efficient
strategies, where efficiency is understood as the volume of net health
benefit generated across a range of cost-effectiveness threshold values.
Basic stratification that withholds screening from lower-risk strata while
adopting a common strategy for those screened increases efficiency. Greatest
efficiency is achieved when different strata receive separate strategies.
While complete optimization can be achieved within a single analysis by
considering all possible policy combinations, the resulting number of
strategy combinations may be inconveniently large. Optimization with
separate strata-specific analyses is simpler and more transparent. Despite
this, there can be good reasons to simulate all strata together in a single
analysis. Conclusions If the benefits of risk stratification are to be fully realized, policy
makers need to consider the extent to which stratification is feasible, and
modelers need to simulate those choices adequately. It is hoped this
analysis will clarify those policy and modeling choices and therefore lead
to improved population health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland (JFO)
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19
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O'Mahony JF. Revision of Ireland's Cost-Effectiveness Threshold: New State-Industry Drug Pricing Deal Should Adequately Reflect Opportunity Costs. Pharmacoecon Open 2021; 5:339-348. [PMID: 34318440 PMCID: PMC8315504 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-021-00289-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Ireland's cost-effectiveness threshold is currently €45,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). It has previously been determined by periodic agreements between the State and a pharma industry lobby body. A new deal is due in July 2021 and it is therefore timely to re-examine Ireland's threshold, how it is set and transparency around adherence to it. Previous research has noted a series of problems with the threshold, including that it is likely too high relative to the opportunity cost of unmet need within Ireland's health system. This means reimbursement at the threshold may do net harm to population health. The high threshold may also mean the Irish health system is failing to satisfy existing legislation on healthcare resource allocation. Recent COVID-19-related pressures on healthcare capacity and public spending appear to increase the urgency for an evidence-based revision of threshold to better reflect opportunity costs within the Irish healthcare system. Despite these problems, the prospects for reform of the threshold do not appear strong as the political and institutional incentives may favour the status quo. At the very least, the State should provide greater transparency regarding how the threshold is set and adhered to. A potential reform for consideration in the longer run could include a partial abandonment of thresholds in favour of an auction process to achieve the lowest cost per QALY from new drug interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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20
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O'Mahony JF. Comment on Keeney et al.'s "Delphi Analysis of Relevant Comparators in a Cost-Effectiveness Model of Prostate Cancer Screening". Pharmacoeconomics 2021; 39:965-967. [PMID: 34273084 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-021-01061-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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21
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Castanon A, Rebolj M, Burger EA, de Kok IMCM, Smith MA, Hanley SJB, Carozzi FM, Peacock S, O'Mahony JF. Cervical screening during the COVID-19 pandemic: optimising recovery strategies. Lancet Public Health 2021; 6:e522-e527. [PMID: 33939965 PMCID: PMC8087290 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(21)00078-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Disruptions to cancer screening services have been experienced in most settings as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ideally, programmes would resolve backlogs by temporarily expanding capacity; however, in practice, this is often not possible. We aim to inform the deliberations of decision makers in high-income settings regarding their cervical cancer screening policy response. We caution against performance measures that rely solely on restoring testing volumes to pre-pandemic levels because they will be less effective at mitigating excess cancer diagnoses than will targeted measures. These measures might exacerbate pre-existing inequalities in accessing cervical screening by disregarding the risk profile of the individuals attending. Modelling of cervical screening outcomes before and during the pandemic supports risk-based strategies as the most effective way for screening services to recover. The degree to which screening is organised will determine the feasibility of deploying some risk-based strategies, but implementation of age-based risk stratification should be universally feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Castanon
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Matejka Rebolj
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emily Annika Burger
- Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Center for Health Decision Science, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Health Management and Health Economics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inge M C M de Kok
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Megan A Smith
- Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney-Cancer Council, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sharon J B Hanley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | - Stuart Peacock
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Canadian Centre for Applied Research in Cancer Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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22
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O'Mahony JF, Paulden M, McCabe C. NICE's Discounting Review: Clear Thinking on Rational Revision Meets Obstacle of Industrial Interests. Pharmacoeconomics 2021; 39:139-146. [PMID: 33462758 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-020-00990-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recently published a review of discounting practice and theory as part of a consultation on its current methods guidelines. The review examines the case for revision or retention of current methods. The changes considered include eliminating favourable rates in certain special cases and the reduction of the base-case rate for costs and health effects from 3.5 to 1.5%. The review also notes the potential need to reduce the cost-effectiveness threshold to accommodate a discount rate reduction, explaining that an agreement between the UK government and the pharmaceutical industry proscribes changing NICE's threshold range until the end of 2023. We believe NICE should be commended for a useful overview of the existing literature and relevant issues. We firmly endorse NICE's view that favourable discount rates are not a good way to apply a preference for certain interventions. Similarly, we support the option of reducing the discount rate to 1.5%, which better accords with real government borrowing costs. We suggest further work to clarify the appropriate theoretical basis for the NICE's social discount rate and the sensitivity of the threshold to changes in discounting. The prospects of a necessary discount rate reduction appear to depend on whether a threshold reduction can be achieved within NICE's current range or if the range itself must be revised downwards. NICE has usefully informed the debate around discount rates. Ultimately, the path to a methodologically consistent and evidence-based revision of discounting depends on whether NICE needs to adjust the threshold too and if it is free to do so.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Mike Paulden
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Chris McCabe
- Institute of Health Economics, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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23
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O'Mahony JF. Interpreting cost-effectiveness ratios in a cost-effectiveness analysis of risk-tailored prostate screening: A critique of Callender et al. HRB Open Res 2020; 3:23. [PMID: 32596631 PMCID: PMC7312227 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13043.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Callender et al. recently published a model-based cost-effectiveness analysis of a risk-tailored approach to prostate cancer screening. It considers the costs and effects of prostate cancer screening offered to all men aged 55-69 without any risk selection and, alternatively, over a range of risk-tailored strategies in which screen eligibility is determined by a varying threshold of disease risk. The analysis finds that the strategy of screening men once they reach a 10-year absolute risk of disease of 5% or more is cost-effective in a UK context. I believe there are several problems with the study, mostly stemming from an incorrect interpretation of the cost-effectiveness estimates. I show that one reinterpretation of their results indicates that screening is much less cost-effective than the original analysis suggests, indicating that screening should be restricted to a much smaller group of higher risk men. More broadly, I explain the challenges of attempting to meaningfully reinterpret the originally published results due to the simulation of non-mutually exclusive intervention strategies. Finally, I consider the relevance of considering sufficient alternative screening intensities. This critique highlights the need for appropriate interpretation of cost-effectiveness results for policymakers, especially as risk stratification within screening becomes increasingly feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, University of Dublin, Dublin, D02 PN40, Ireland
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24
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O'Mahony JF. Does Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Really Need to Abandon the Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio to Embrace Net Benefit? Pharmacoeconomics 2020; 38:777-779. [PMID: 32537681 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-020-00931-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- James F O'Mahony
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin, Ireland.
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Kwok MQT, Kareem MA, Cash MJ, Lafferty F, Tobin K, O'Mahony JF. Adherence to Discounting Guidelines: Evidence from Over 2000 Published Cost-Effectiveness Analyses. Pharmacoeconomics 2020; 38:809-818. [PMID: 32342439 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-020-00916-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that not all cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) adhere to recommended guidelines on intertemporal discounting. This analysis investigates adherence in a sample of over 2000 CEAs from seven countries. Guideline discount rates were retrieved for Australia, Belgium, Canada, Ireland, The Netherlands, New Zealand and the UK. Data on the rates applied in published CEAs were retrieved from the Tufts CEA Registry from the sample countries within the periods covered by the discounting guidelines. The relationship between adherence and candidate explanatory factors were assessed using logistic regression. The analysis appraised 2270 CEAs. The overall rate of adherence to discounting recommendations was 79%. Country-specific adherence ranged from 28% in New Zealand to 87% in Belgium and the UK. Adherence in Australia and Canada was 73% and 66%, respectively. Adherence is statistically significantly higher in more recent studies, countries currently applying differential discounting and manufacturer-sponsored studies. Relative to the reference case of Australia, adherence is statistically significantly higher in the UK and lower in Canada and New Zealand. There is notable variation in the rates of adherence to discounting recommendations between countries and over time. Incomplete adherence raises concerns regarding the comparability of evidence between studies. In turn, this raises concerns regarding equity of access to scarce healthcare resources. Journal editors should ensure that adherence to discounting recommendations is assessed as part of the peer review process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Q T Kwok
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Room 2.12, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mistura A Kareem
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Room 2.12, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael J Cash
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Room 2.12, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona Lafferty
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Room 2.12, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Katy Tobin
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Room 2.12, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin, Ireland
| | - James F O'Mahony
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Room 2.12, 2-4 Foster Place, Dublin, Ireland.
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O'Mahony JF. Interpreting cost-effectiveness ratios in a cost-effectiveness analysis of risk-tailored prostate screening: A critique of Callender et al. HRB Open Res 2020; 3:23. [DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13043.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Callender et al. recently published a model-based cost-effectiveness analysis of a risk-tailored approach to prostate cancer screening. It considers the costs and effects of prostate cancer screening offered to all men aged 55-69 without any risk selection and, alternatively, over a range of risk-tailored strategies in which screen eligibility is determined by a varying threshold of disease risk. The analysis finds that the strategy of screening men once they reach a 10-year absolute risk of disease of 5% or more is cost-effective in a UK context. I believe there are several problems with the study, mostly stemming from an incorrect interpretation of the cost-effectiveness estimates. I show that one reinterpretation of their results indicates that screening is much less cost-effective than the original analysis suggests, indicating that screening should be restricted to a much smaller group of higher risk men. More broadly, I explain the challenges of attempting to meaningfully reinterpret the originally published results due to the simulation of non-mutually exclusive intervention strategies. Finally, I consider the relevance of considering sufficient alternative screening intensities. This critique highlights the need for appropriate interpretation of cost-effectiveness results for policymakers, especially as risk stratification within screening becomes increasingly feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethna McFerran
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Edward Goodall
- Northern Ireland Cancer Research Consumer Forum, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK
| | - Mark Lawler
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
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O'Mahony JF, Paulden M. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation's Advice on Extending Human Papillomavirus Vaccination to Boys: Were Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Guidelines Bent to Achieve a Politically Acceptable Decision? Value Health 2019; 22:1227-1230. [PMID: 31708058 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2019.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In July 2018, the UK Minister of Public Health announced that human papillomavirus vaccination would be extended to 12-year-old boys. This decision was informed by updated evidence from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) published earlier that month. Vaccination of boys had been found not to be cost-effective in a series of analyses conducted for the JCVI, including the most recent assessment prior to the minister's announcement. These analyses were conducted under the standard methods for cost-effectiveness analysis recommended by the JCVI, which are primarily based on guidelines from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence. Although the JCVI concluded they were unable to advise extending vaccination on the basis of standard appraisal methods, their most recent round of assessment also considered analyses using nonstandard appraisal methods. In particular, the JCVI noted that vaccination of boys was likely to be cost-effective when a lower discount rate of 1.5% is applied to costs and health effects, as opposed to the 3.5% rate usually employed. The JCVI stated that they were supportive of applying such alternative methods, and on this basis, they would advise extending vaccination to boys. This commentary explains the JCVI's application of nonstandard appraisal methods and considers whether it was justified. We conclude that the JCVI was not justified in applying the lower discount rate. We voice concerns that a willingness to endorse a politically popular intervention may have driven the JCVI to depart from a fair and consistent application of healthcare rationing.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy & Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Mike Paulden
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Lechner
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6AG, UK; Head and Neck Centre, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust and Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.
| | - Charles E Breeze
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6AG, UK
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Liam Masterson
- Department of ENT, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK
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Mone F, O'Mahony JF, Tyrrell E, Mulcahy C, McParland P, Breathnach F, Morrison JJ, Higgins J, Daly S, Cotter A, Hunter A, Dicker P, Tully E, Malone FD, Normand C, McAuliffe FM. Preeclampsia Prevention Using Routine Versus Screening Test-Indicated Aspirin in Low-Risk Women. Hypertension 2019; 72:1391-1396. [PMID: 30571234 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.118.11718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to evaluate whether routine aspirin 75 mg is more cost-effective than the Fetal Medicine Foundation screen-and-treat approach for preeclampsia prevention in low-risk nulliparous women. A health economic decision analytical model was devised to estimate the discounted net health and cost outcomes of routine aspirin versus Fetal Medicine Foundation screening test-indicated aspirin for a cohort of 100 000 low-risk nulliparous women. Both strategies were compared with no intervention. A subanalysis also compared disaggregated components of the algorithm. The analysis used data from hospital administration, literature, and a randomized controlled trial. Sensitivity analyses assessed the impact of aspirin adherence, test cost, and accuracy on study results. Presumed rates of preeclampsia were 3.75% with no intervention versus 0.45% with aspirin use. Results found that routine aspirin was the preferred strategy, in terms of greater health gains and larger cost savings. It provided 163 quality-adjusted life-years relative to no intervention, whereas the screen-and-treat policy achieved 108 quality-adjusted life-years. Routine aspirin would result in an estimated cost saving of €14.9 million annually relative to no intervention, whereas screen-and-treat approach would result in a smaller cost saving of €3.1 million. When the analysis was extended to consider alternative screen-and-treat strategies, routine aspirin remained the optimally cost-effective approach. In conclusion, routine aspirin use in low-risk nulliparous women has a greater health gain and cost saving compared with both the Fetal Medicine Foundation and other screen-and-treat approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fionnuala Mone
- From the UCD Perinatal Research Centre, National Maternity Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland (F.M., C.M., P.M., F.M.M.)
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland (J.F.O., E.T., C.N.)
| | - Ella Tyrrell
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland (J.F.O., E.T., C.N.)
| | - Cecilia Mulcahy
- From the UCD Perinatal Research Centre, National Maternity Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland (F.M., C.M., P.M., F.M.M.)
| | - Peter McParland
- From the UCD Perinatal Research Centre, National Maternity Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland (F.M., C.M., P.M., F.M.M.)
| | - Fionnuala Breathnach
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin (F.B., P.D., E.T., F.D.M.)
| | - John J Morrison
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Ireland, Galway (J.J.M.)
| | - John Higgins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Ireland (J.H.)
| | - Sean Daly
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Coombe Women's and Infant's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland (S.D.)
| | - Amanda Cotter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Ireland (A.C.)
| | - Alyson Hunter
- Department of Fetal Medicine, Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital, Belfast, United Kingdom (A.H.)
| | - Patrick Dicker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin (F.B., P.D., E.T., F.D.M.)
| | - Elizabeth Tully
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland (J.F.O., E.T., C.N.).,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin (F.B., P.D., E.T., F.D.M.)
| | - Fergal D Malone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin (F.B., P.D., E.T., F.D.M.)
| | - Charles Normand
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland (J.F.O., E.T., C.N.).,Cicely Saunders Institute, King's College London, United Kingdom (C.N.)
| | - Fionnuala M McAuliffe
- From the UCD Perinatal Research Centre, National Maternity Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland (F.M., C.M., P.M., F.M.M.)
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O'Mahony JF, Paulden M. Appraising the cost-effectiveness of vaccines in the UK: Insights from the Department of Health Consultation on the revision of methods guidelines. Vaccine 2019; 37:2831-2837. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.03.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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O'Mahony JF. Beneluxa: What are the Prospects for Collective Bargaining on Pharmaceutical Prices Given Diverse Health Technology Assessment Processes? Pharmacoeconomics 2019; 37:627-630. [PMID: 30847759 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-019-00781-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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O'Mahony JF. HIQA's Perspective on the Challenges Posed by Evaluations of Screening Programs: A Reply. Value Health 2019; 22:136-138. [PMID: 30661628 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2018.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Hernon MJ, Hall AM, O'Mahony JF, Normand C, Hurley DA. Systematic Review of Costs and Effects of Self-Management Interventions for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Spotlight on Analytic Perspective and Outcomes Assessment. Phys Ther 2017; 97:998-1019. [PMID: 29029553 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzx073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence for the cost-effectiveness of self-management interventions for chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) lacks consensus, which may be due to variability in the costing methods employed. PURPOSE The purposes of the study were to identify how costs and effects have been assessed in economic analysis of self-management interventions for CMP and to identify the effect of the chosen analytical perspective on cost-effectiveness conclusions. DATA SOURCES Five databases were searched for all study designs using relevant terms. STUDY SELECTION Two independent researchers reviewed all titles for predefined inclusion criteria: adults (≥18 years of age) with CMP, interventions with a primary aim of promoting self-management, and conducted a cost analysis. DATA EXTRACTION Descriptive data including population, self-management intervention, analytical perspective, and costs and effects measured were collected by one reviewer and checked for accuracy by a second reviewer. DATA SYNTHESIS Fifty-seven studies were identified: 65% (n = 37) chose the societal perspective, of which 89% (n = 33) captured health care utilization, 92% (n = 34) reported labor productivity, 65% (n = 24) included intervention delivery, and 59% (n = 22) captured patient/family costs. Types of costs varied in all studies. Eight studies conducted analyses from both health service and societal perspectives; cost-effectiveness estimates varied with perspective chosen, but in no case was the difference sufficient to change overall policy recommendations. LIMITATIONS Chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions where self-management is recommended, but not as a primary treatment, were excluded. Gray literature was excluded. CONCLUSION Substantial heterogeneity in the cost components captured in the assessment of self-management for CMP was found; this was independent of the analytic perspective used. Greater efforts to ensure complete and consistent costings are required if reliable cost-effectiveness evidence of self-management interventions is to be generated and to inform the most appropriate perspective for economic analyses in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian J Hernon
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, A101 Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Amanda M Hall
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Charles Normand
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Deirdre A Hurley
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin
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35
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Ó Céilleachair A, O'Mahony JF, O'Connor M, O'Leary J, Normand C, Martin C, Sharp L. Health-related quality of life as measured by the EQ-5D in the prevention, screening and management of cervical disease: A systematic review. Qual Life Res 2017; 26:2885-2897. [PMID: 28653217 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-017-1628-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) of screening can be highly sensitive to the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) effects of screen tests and subsequent treatment. Accordingly, accurate assessment of HRQoL is essential. We reviewed the literature regarding HRQoL in cervical prevention and management in order to appraise the current evidence regarding this important input to CEA. METHODS We searched the MEDLINE, Scopus and EconLit databases for studies that estimated HRQoL in cervical cancer prevention and management published January 1995-December 2015. The primary inclusion criterion was for studies that assess HRQoL using the EQ-5D. Data were abstracted from eligible studies on setting, elicitation group, sample size, elicitation instruments, health state valuations, study design and follow-up. We assessed the quality and comparability of the studies with a particular focus on the HRQoL reported across states and groups. RESULTS Fifteen papers met the inclusion criteria. Most used patient elicitation groups (n = 11), 2 used the general public and 2 used a mix of both. Eight studies were cross-sectional and seven were longitudinal. Six studies used both the EQ-5D-3L and the EQ-VAS together with other measures of overall HRQoL or condition-specific instruments. Extensive heterogeneity was observed across study characteristics. CONCLUSIONS Our results reveal the challenges of sourcing reliable estimates of HRQoL for use in CEAs of cervical cancer prevention and treatment. The EQ-5D appears insufficiently sensitive for some health states. A more general problem is the paucity of HRQoL estimates for many health states and their change over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ó Céilleachair
- National Cancer Registry Ireland, Building 6800, Cork Airport Business Park, Cork, Ireland.
| | - J F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M O'Connor
- National Cancer Registry Ireland, Building 6800, Cork Airport Business Park, Cork, Ireland
| | - J O'Leary
- Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - C Normand
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - C Martin
- Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - L Sharp
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Paulden M, O'Mahony JF, McCabe C. Discounting the Recommendations of the Second Panel on Cost-Effectiveness in Health and Medicine. Pharmacoeconomics 2017; 35:5-13. [PMID: 27943173 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-016-0482-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Twenty years ago, the "Panel on Cost-effectiveness in Health and Medicine" published a landmark text setting out appropriate methods for conducting cost-effectiveness analyses of health technologies. In the two decades since, the methods used for economic evaluations have advanced substantially. Recently, a "second panel" (hereafter "the panel") was convened to update the text and its recommendations were published in November 2016. The purpose of this paper is to critique the panel's updated guidance regarding the discounting of costs and health effects. The advances in discounting methodology since the first panel include greater theoretical clarity regarding the specification of discount rates, how these rates vary with the analytical perspective chosen, and whether the healthcare budget is constrained. More specifically, there has been an important resolution of the debate regarding the conditions under which differential discounting of costs and health effects is appropriate. We show that the panel's recommendations are inconsistent with this recent literature. Importantly, the panel's departures from previously published findings do not arise from an alternative interpretation of theory; rather, we demonstrate that this is due to fundamental errors in methodology and logic. The panel also failed to conduct a formal review of relevant empirical evidence. We provide a number of suggestions for how the panel's recommendations could be improved in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Paulden
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Christopher McCabe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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McFerran E, O'Mahony JF, Fallis R, McVicar D, Zauber AG, Kee F. Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Personalized Surveillance After Colorectal Adenomatous Polypectomy. Epidemiol Rev 2017; 39:148-160. [PMID: 28402402 PMCID: PMC5858033 DOI: 10.1093/epirev/mxx002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is 5%, and 5-year survival at early stage is 92%. Individuals with precancerous lesions removed at primary screening are typically recommended surveillance colonoscopy. Because greater benefits are anticipated for those with higher risk of colorectal cancer, scope for risk-specific surveillance recommendations exists. This review assesses published cost-effectiveness estimates of postpolypectomy surveillance to consider the potential for personalized recommendations by risk group. Meta-analyses of incidence of advanced neoplasia postpolypectomy for low-risk cases were comparable to those without adenoma, with both rates under the lifetime risk of 5%. This group may not benefit from intensive surveillance, which risks unnecessary harm and inefficient use of often scarce colonoscopy capacity. Therefore, greater personalization through deintensified strategies for low-risk individuals could be beneficial. The potential for noninvasive testing, such as fecal immunochemical tests, combined with primary prevention or chemoprevention may reserve colonoscopy for targeted use in personalized risk-stratified surveillance. This review appraised evidence supporting a program of personalized surveillance in patients with colorectal adenoma according to risk group and compared the effectiveness of surveillance colonoscopy with alternative prevention strategies. It assessed trade-offs among costs, benefits, and adverse effects that must be considered in a decision to adopt or reject personalized surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethna McFerran
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Richard Fallis
- Medical Library, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Duncan McVicar
- Queen's Management School, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Ann G Zauber
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Frank Kee
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- the United Kingdom Clinical Research Collaboration
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O'Mahony JF, Coughlan D. The Irish Cost-Effectiveness Threshold: Does it Support Rational Rationing or Might it Lead to Unintended Harm to Ireland's Health System? Pharmacoeconomics 2016; 34:5-11. [PMID: 26497002 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-015-0336-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Ireland is one of the few countries worldwide to have an explicit cost-effectiveness threshold. In 2012, an agreement between government and the pharmaceutical industry that provided substantial savings on existing medications set the threshold at €45,000/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). This replaced a previously unofficial threshold of €20,000/QALY. According to the agreement, drugs within the threshold will be granted reimbursement, whereas those exceeding it may still be approved following further negotiation. A number of drugs far exceeding the threshold have been approved recently. The agreement only applies to pharmaceuticals. There are four reasons for concern regarding Ireland's threshold. The absence of an explicit threshold for non-drug interventions leaves it unclear if there is parity in willingness to pay across all interventions. As the threshold resembles a price floor rather than a ceiling, in principle it only offers a weak barrier to cost-ineffective interventions. It has no empirical basis. Finally, it is probably too high given recent estimates of a threshold for the UK based on the cost effectiveness of services forgone of approximately £13,000/QALY. An excessive threshold risks causing the Irish health system unintended harm. The lack of an empirically informed threshold means the policy recommendations of cost-effectiveness analysis cannot be considered as fully evidence- based rational rationing. Policy makers should consider these issues and recent Irish legislation that defined cost effectiveness in terms of the opportunity cost of services forgone when choosing what threshold to apply once the current industry agreement expires at the end of 2015
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O'Mahony JF, Newall AT, van Rosmalen J. Dealing with Time in Health Economic Evaluation: Methodological Issues and Recommendations for Practice. Pharmacoeconomics 2015; 33:1255-68. [PMID: 26105525 PMCID: PMC4661216 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-015-0309-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Time is an important aspect of health economic evaluation, as the timing and duration of clinical events, healthcare interventions and their consequences all affect estimated costs and effects. These issues should be reflected in the design of health economic models. This article considers three important aspects of time in modelling: (1) which cohorts to simulate and how far into the future to extend the analysis; (2) the simulation of time, including the difference between discrete-time and continuous-time models, cycle lengths, and converting rates and probabilities; and (3) discounting future costs and effects to their present values. We provide a methodological overview of these issues and make recommendations to help inform both the conduct of cost-effectiveness analyses and the interpretation of their results. For choosing which cohorts to simulate and how many, we suggest analysts carefully assess potential reasons for variation in cost effectiveness between cohorts and the feasibility of subgroup-specific recommendations. For the simulation of time, we recommend using short cycles or continuous-time models to avoid biases and the need for half-cycle corrections, and provide advice on the correct conversion of transition probabilities in state transition models. Finally, for discounting, analysts should not only follow current guidance and report how discounting was conducted, especially in the case of differential discounting, but also seek to develop an understanding of its rationale. Our overall recommendations are that analysts explicitly state and justify their modelling choices regarding time and consider how alternative choices may impact on results.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F O'Mahony
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Anthony T Newall
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Joost van Rosmalen
- Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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O'Mahony JF, Normand C. HIQA's CEA of Breast Screening: Pragmatic Policy Recommendations are Welcome, but ACERs Reported as ICERs are Not. Value Health 2015; 18:941-945. [PMID: 26686777 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2015.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is Ireland's statutory cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) agency. It recently published a CEA of screening strategies for women at elevated risk of breast cancer. Although the strategies recommended by HIQA exceed Ireland's cost-effectiveness threshold, they can reasonably be welcomed as a pragmatic response to constraints on disinvestment and are expected to improve screening cost-effectiveness. What is not welcome, however, is HIQA's reporting of average cost-effectiveness ratios (ACERs) as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). The distinction between ACERs and ICERs is well understood in CEA, as is the fact that ICERs not ACERs are the appropriate metric to determine cost-effectiveness. This article critiques HIQA's reporting, considering the implications for the particular case of breast cancer screening and the broader context of consistency of and confidence in CEA as a guide to resource allocation in Ireland. The reporting of ACERs as ICERs is unlikely to be of any great significance in the particular case of screening women at elevated risk of breast cancer, given likely constraints on disinvestment. Despite this, ICERs still need to be reported correctly. If thresholds are exceeded in certain cases, then it is important that decision makers appreciate by how much. More generally, using ACERs in some cases and ICERs in others raises concerns that methods are being applied inconsistently, which risks compromising confidence in CEA in Ireland. As Ireland's statutory CEA authority, HIQA has a special onus of responsibility to ensure established methods are applied correctly.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F O'Mahony
- The Centre of Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Charles Normand
- The Centre of Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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O'Mahony JF, Naber SK, Normand C, Sharp L, O'Leary JJ, de Kok IMCM. Beware of Kinked Frontiers: A Systematic Review of the Choice of Comparator Strategies in Cost-Effectiveness Analyses of Human Papillomavirus Testing in Cervical Screening. Value Health 2015; 18:1138-1151. [PMID: 26686801 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2015.09.2939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To systematically review the choice of comparator strategies in cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) of human papillomavirus testing in cervical screening. METHODS The PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and Scopus databases were searched to identify eligible model-based CEAs of cervical screening programs using human papillomavirus testing. The eligible CEAs were reviewed to investigate what screening strategies were chosen for analysis and how this choice might have influenced estimates of the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Selected examples from the reviewed studies are presented to illustrate how the omission of relevant comparators might influence estimates of screening cost-effectiveness. RESULTS The search identified 30 eligible CEAs. The omission of relevant comparator strategies appears likely in 18 studies. The ICER estimates in these cases are probably lower than would be estimated had more comparators been included. Five of the 30 studies restricted relevant comparator strategies to sensitivity analyses or other subanalyses not part of the principal base-case analysis. Such exclusion of relevant strategies from the base-case analysis can result in cost-ineffective strategies being identified as cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS Many of the CEAs reviewed appear to include insufficient comparator strategies. In particular, they omit strategies with relatively long screening intervals. Omitting relevant comparators matters particularly if it leads to the underestimation of ICERs for strategies around the cost-effectiveness threshold because these strategies are the most policy relevant from the CEA perspective. Consequently, such CEAs may not be providing the best possible policy guidance and lead to the mistaken adoption of cost-ineffective screening strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F O'Mahony
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Steffie K Naber
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Centre, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charles Normand
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Linda Sharp
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - John J O'Leary
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women's and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Inge M C M de Kok
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Centre, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Ekwunife OI, Grote AG, Mosch C, O'Mahony JF, Lhachimi SK. Assessing cost-effectiveness of HPV vaccines with decision analytic models: what are the distinct challenges of low- and middle-income countries? A protocol for a systematic review. Syst Rev 2015; 4:68. [PMID: 25963745 PMCID: PMC4489355 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-015-0057-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer poses a huge health burden, both to developed and developing nations, making prevention and control strategies necessary. However, the challenges of designing and implementing prevention strategies differ for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as compared to countries with fully developed health care systems. Moreover, for many LMICs, much of the data needed for decision analytic modelling, such as prevalence, will most likely only be partly available or measured with much larger uncertainty. Lastly, imperfect implementation of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination may influence the effectiveness of cervical cancer prevention in unpredictable ways. This systematic review aims to assess how decision analytic modelling studies of HPV cost-effectiveness in LMICs accounted for the particular challenges faced in such countries. Specifically, the study will assess the following: (1) whether the existing literature on cost-effectiveness modelling of HPV vaccines acknowledges the distinct challenges of LMICs, (2) how these challenges were accommodated in the models, (3) whether certain parameters systemically exhibited large degrees of uncertainty due to lack of data and how influential were these parameters on model-based recommendations, and (4) whether the choice of modelling herd immunity influences model-based recommendations, especially when coverage of a HPV vaccination program is not optimal. METHODS We will conduct a systematic review to identify suitable studies from MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED), EconLit, Web of Science, and CEA Registry. Searches will be conducted for studies of interest published since 2006. The searches will be supplemented by hand searching of the most relevant papers found in the search. Studies will be critically appraised using Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) statement checklist. We will undertake a descriptive, narrative, and interpretative synthesis of data to address the study objectives. DISCUSSION The proposed systematic review will assess how the cost-effectiveness studies of HPV vaccines accounted for the distinct challenges of LMICs. The gaps identified will expose areas for additional research as well as challenges that need to be accounted for in future modelling studies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42015017870.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obinna I Ekwunife
- Cooperative Research Group for Evidence-Based Public Health, Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology-BIPS, Bremen, Germany. .,Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
| | | | - Christoph Mosch
- Institute for Research in Operative Medicine (IFOM), Universität Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany.
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Stefan K Lhachimi
- Cooperative Research Group for Evidence-Based Public Health, Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology-BIPS, Bremen, Germany. .,Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research-IPP, Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Paulden
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, 736 University Terrace, 8303 112 St, Edmonton, AB T6G 2T4, Canada,
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Abstract
The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recently proposed amendments to its methods for the appraisal of health technologies. Previous amendments in 2009 and 2011 placed a greater value on the health of patients at the "end of life" and in cases where "treatment effects are both substantial in restoring health and sustained over a very long period". Drawing lessons from these previous amendments, we critically appraise NICE's proposals. The proposals repeal "end of life" considerations but add consideration of the "proportional" and "absolute" quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) loss from illness. NICE's cost-effectiveness threshold may increase from £20,000 to £50,000 per QALY on the basis of these and four other considerations: the "certainty of the ICER [incremental cost-effectiveness ratio]"; whether health-related quality of life is "inadequately captured"; the "innovative nature" of the technology; and "non-health objectives of the NHS". We demonstrate that NICE's previous amendments are flawed; they contain logical inconsistencies which can result in different values being placed on health gains for identical patients, and they do not apply value weights to patients bearing the opportunity cost of NICE's recommendations. The proposals retain both flaws and are also poorly justified. Applying value weights to patients bearing the opportunity cost would lower NICE's threshold, in some cases to below £20,000 per QALY. Furthermore, this baseline threshold is higher than current estimates of the opportunity cost. NICE's proposed threshold range is too high, for empirical and methodological reasons. NICE's proposals will harm the health of unidentifiable patients, whilst privileging the identifiable beneficiaries of new health technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Paulden
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, 736 University Terrace, 8303 112 St, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T4, Canada,
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Paulden M, O'Mahony JF, Culyer AJ, McCabe C. Nice's Proposed Value-Based Assessment of Health Technologies: Concerns of Inconsistent Consideration of Social Values. Value Health 2014; 17:A330. [PMID: 27200565 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2014.08.612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M Paulden
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - A J Culyer
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - C McCabe
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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O'Mahony JF, Paulden M. NICE's selective application of differential discounting: ambiguous, inconsistent, and unjustified. Value Health 2014; 17:493-6. [PMID: 25128041 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2013.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2012] [Revised: 02/20/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recently recommended differential discounting of costs and health effects in the economic appraisal of health care interventions in certain circumstances. The recommendation was published in an amendment to NICE's Guide to the Methods of Technology Appraisal. The amendment states that differential discounting should be applied where "treatment effects are both substantial in restoring health and sustained over a very long period (normally at least 30 years)." Renewed interest in differential discounting from NICE is welcome; however, the recommendation's selective application of differential discounting raises a number of concerns. The stated criteria for applying differential discounting are ambiguous. The rationale for the selective application of differential discounting has not been articulated by NICE and is questionable. The selective application of differential discounting leads to several inconsistencies, the most concerning of which is the lower valuation of health gains for those with less than 30 years remaining life expectancy, which can be interpreted as age discrimination. Furthermore, the discount rates chosen by NICE do not appear to be informed by recent advances in the theoretical understanding of differential discounting. NICE's apparent motivation for recommending differential discounting was to ensure a favorable cost-effectiveness ratio for a pediatric oncology drug. While flexibility may be appropriate to allow some interventions that exceed conventional cost-effectiveness thresholds to be adopted, the selective adjustment of appraisal methods is problematic and without justification.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F O'Mahony
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Mike Paulden
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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O'Mahony JF, van Rosmalen J, Mushkudiani NA, Goudsmit FW, Eijkemans MJC, Heijnsdijk EAM, Steyerberg EW, Habbema JDF. The influence of disease risk on the optimal time interval between screens for the early detection of cancer: a mathematical approach. Med Decis Making 2014; 35:183-95. [PMID: 24739535 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x14528380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The intervals between screens for the early detection of diseases such as breast and colon cancer suggested by screening guidelines are typically based on the average population risk of disease. With the emergence of ever more biomarkers for cancer risk prediction and the development of personalized medicine, there is a need for risk-specific screening intervals. The interval between successive screens should be shorter with increasing cancer risk. A risk-dependent optimal interval is ideally derived from a cost-effectiveness analysis using a validated simulation model. However, this is time-consuming and costly. We propose a simplified mathematical approach for the exploratory analysis of the implications of risk level on optimal screening interval. We develop a mathematical model of the optimal screening interval for breast cancer screening. We verified the results by programming the simplified model in the MISCAN-Breast microsimulation model and comparing the results. We validated the results by comparing them with the results of a full, published MISCAN-Breast cost-effectiveness model for a number of different risk levels. The results of both the verification and validation were satisfactory. We conclude that the mathematical approach can indicate the impact of disease risk on the optimal screening interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F O'Mahony
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (JFO'M, JvR, FWG, EAMH, EWS, JDFH),Department of Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland (JFO'M)
| | - Joost van Rosmalen
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (JFO'M, JvR, FWG, EAMH, EWS, JDFH),Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (JvR)
| | | | - Frans-Willem Goudsmit
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (JFO'M, JvR, FWG, EAMH, EWS, JDFH)
| | - Marinus J C Eijkemans
- Department of Biostatistics, UMC-University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands (MJCE)
| | - Eveline A M Heijnsdijk
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (JFO'M, JvR, FWG, EAMH, EWS, JDFH)
| | - Ewout W Steyerberg
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (JFO'M, JvR, FWG, EAMH, EWS, JDFH)
| | - J Dik F Habbema
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC-University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (JFO'M, JvR, FWG, EAMH, EWS, JDFH)
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van Rosmalen J, Toy M, O'Mahony JF. A mathematical approach for evaluating Markov models in continuous time without discrete-event simulation. Med Decis Making 2013; 33:767-79. [PMID: 23715464 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x13487947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Markov models are a simple and powerful tool for analyzing the health and economic effects of health care interventions. These models are usually evaluated in discrete time using cohort analysis. The use of discrete time assumes that changes in health states occur only at the end of a cycle period. Discrete-time Markov models only approximate the process of disease progression, as clinical events typically occur in continuous time. The approximation can yield biased cost-effectiveness estimates for Markov models with long cycle periods and if no half-cycle correction is made. The purpose of this article is to present an overview of methods for evaluating Markov models in continuous time. These methods use mathematical results from stochastic process theory and control theory. The methods are illustrated using an applied example on the cost-effectiveness of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B. The main result is a mathematical solution for the expected time spent in each state in a continuous-time Markov model. It is shown how this solution can account for age-dependent transition rates and discounting of costs and health effects, and how the concept of tunnel states can be used to account for transition rates that depend on the time spent in a state. The applied example shows that the continuous-time model yields more accurate results than the discrete-time model but does not require much computation time and is easily implemented. In conclusion, continuous-time Markov models are a feasible alternative to cohort analysis and can offer several theoretical and practical advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost van Rosmalen
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (JVR, MT, JFO),Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (JVR)
| | - Mehlika Toy
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (JVR, MT, JFO),Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts (MT)
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (JVR, MT, JFO),Department of Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland (JFO)
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O'Mahony JF, van Rosmalen J, Zauber AG, van Ballegooijen M. Multicohort models in cost-effectiveness analysis: why aggregating estimates over multiple cohorts can hide useful information. Med Decis Making 2012; 33:407-14. [PMID: 22927697 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x12453503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Models used in cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) of screening programs may include 1 or many birth cohorts of patients. As many screening programs involve multiple screens over many years for each birth cohort, the actual implementation of screening often involves multiple concurrent recipient cohorts. Consequently, some advocate modeling all recipient cohorts rather than 1 birth cohort, arguing it more accurately represents actual implementation. However, reporting the cost-effectiveness estimates for multiple cohorts on aggregate rather than per cohort will fail to account for any heterogeneity in cost-effectiveness between cohorts. Such heterogeneity may be policy relevant where there is considerable variation in cost-effectiveness between cohorts, as in the case of cancer screening programs with multiple concurrent recipient birth cohorts, each at different stages of screening at any one point in time. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to illustrate the potential disadvantages of aggregating cost-effectiveness estimates over multiple cohorts, without first considering the disaggregate estimates. Analysis. We estimate the cost-effectiveness of 2 alternative cervical screening tests in a multicohort model and compare the aggregated and per-cohort estimates. We find instances in which the policy choices suggested by the aggregate and per-cohort results differ. We use this example to illustrate a series of potential disadvantages of aggregating CEA estimates over cohorts. CONCLUSIONS Recent recommendations that CEAs should consider the cost-effectiveness of more than just a single cohort appear justified, but the aggregation of estimates across multiple cohorts into a single estimate does not.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F O'Mahony
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (JFO’M, JvR, MvB),Department of Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland (JFO’M)
| | - Joost van Rosmalen
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (JFO’M, JvR, MvB)
| | - Ann G Zauber
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York (AGZ)
| | - Marjolein van Ballegooijen
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (JFO’M, JvR, MvB)
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O'Mahony JF, de Kok IMCM, van Rosmalen J, Habbema JDF, Brouwer W, van Ballegooijen M. Practical implications of differential discounting in cost-effectiveness analyses with varying numbers of cohorts. Value Health 2011; 14:438-442. [PMID: 21669368 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2010.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2010] [Revised: 08/26/2010] [Accepted: 09/30/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To call attention to the influence of the number of birth-cohorts used in cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) models on incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) under differential discounting. METHODS The consequences of increasing the number of birth-cohorts are demonstrated using a CEA of cervical cancer prevention as an example. The cost-effectiveness of vaccinating 12-year-old girls against the human papillomavirus is estimated with the MISCAN microsimulation screening analysis model for 1, 10, 20, and 30 birth-cohorts. Costs and health effects are discounted with equal rates of 4% and alternatively with differential rates of 4% and 1.5% respectively. The effects of increasing the number of cohorts are shown by comparing the ICERs under equal and differential discounting. RESULTS The ICER decreases as the number of cohorts increases under differential discounting, but not under equal discounting. CONCLUSIONS The variation of ICERs with the number of cohorts under differential discounting prompts questions regarding the appropriate specification of CEA models and interpretation of their results. In particular, it raises concerns that arbitrary variation in study specification leads to arbitrary variation in results. Such variations could lead to erroneous policy decisions. These findings are relevant to CEA guidance authorities, CEA practitioners, and decision makers. Our results do not imply a problem with differential discounting per se, yet they highlight the need for practical guidance for its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F O'Mahony
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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