Despite the growing use of decision analytic modelling in cost-effectiveness analysis, there is a relatively small literature on what constitutes good practice in decision analysis. The aim of this paper is to consider the concept of `validity' and `quality' in this area of evaluation, and to...

The ideal study design for demonstrating the possible health outcomes and costs associated with a new drug would be a naturalistic prospective study. However, it is not often feasible to derive the required information from scientifically sound prospective studies. In these cases, decision...

Depression is a very costly chronic disease. An important cost driver is treatment failure caused by patient noncompliance due, in part, to the adverse effects of medications. Additionally, inadequate duration of therapy and inappropriate medication switching contribute to the high cost of...