Background: Decision-analytic modelling (DAM) has become a widespread method in health technology assessments (HTA), but the extent to which modelling is used differs among international HTA institutions. In Germany, the use of DAM is optional within HTAs of the German Institute of Medical...

Medical cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) is perhaps the most widely applied tool to guide policy decisions concerning the use of health care resources. This chapter first reviews the rationale for and common practice of medical cost-effectiveness analysis. It seeks to place CEA within a...

The prevalence of newborn hearing disorders is 1-3 per 1000. Crucial for later outcome are correct diagnosis and effective treatment in the first year of life. With BERA and TEOAE low-risk techniques for early detection are available. Universal screening is recommended but not realised in most...