Background: Cost-effectiveness models should always be amendable to updating once new data on important model parameters become available. However, several methods of synthesizing data exist and the choice of method may affect the cost-effectiveness estimates. Objectives: To investigate the...

A key assumption of indirect comparisons is similarity, which means that, in the face of differences in patient characteristics or study methods, there is no treatment-effect modification across sides of the indirect comparison. We therefore conducted a systematic review of MEDLINE and EMBASE...

The absence of head-to-head trials is a common challenge in comparative effectiveness research and health technology assessment. Indirect cross-trial treatment comparisons are possible, but can be biased by cross-trial differences in patient characteristics. Using only published aggregate data,...

Establishing efficacy relative to placebo is no longer sufficient for payers to agree to cover new interventions. Evidence from comparisons of competing interventions is increasingly important, although head-to-head studies are seldom available to inform decisions. In this article, we describe...

Indirect and mixed treatment comparison (MTC) approaches to synthesis are logical extensions of more established meta-analysis methods. They have great potential for estimating the comparative effectiveness of multiple treatments using an evidence base of trials that individually do not compare...

Given the policy relevance and growing volume of research measuring individuals' willingness to pay (WTP) for health-related goods and services, meta-analysis provides a potentially rich set of tools for answering key questions about this research area. In particular, when taken as a whole, what...

Objective: To evaluate, from a social security system perspective, the economic consequences of treating rheumatic diseases with nimesulide or diclofenac. Design: Cost-minimisation analysis was used to estimate the incremental direct medical cost and the cost of gastrointestinal adverse events...

Until a few years ago, griseofulvin and ketoconazole were the only 2 oral agents available for the treatment of dermatophyte onychomycosis of the toenails. With the availability of the newer antifungal agents, such as itraconazole, terbinafine and fluconazole, the armamentarium of drugs...

Objectives: To measure preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for a novel anaesthetic (dental gel) versus existing anaesthetic options for periodontal maintenance visits. Design: The study was conducted by developing and administering a survey, composed of a modified decision aid and a WTP...

Objective: To measure the economic value of a new insulin formulation consisting of rapid-acting insulin lispro and intermediate-acting neutral protamine lispro in a 25 : 75 ratio (Humalog(R) Mix 25(TM)). Design and Setting: A cost-benefit analysis using a consumer-based willingness-to-pay (WTP)...