Objective: The choice of evidence used in decision modelling of healthcare interventions divides analysts into 2 groups: 1. those who favour randomised clinical trial (RCT) data; and 2. those who prefer `real world' data. This preference may have serious consequences if the end result is to...

Background: International phase III studies (CHIB 201 and 352) showed that basiliximab, a high affinity chimeric monoclonal antibody interleukin-2 receptor antagonist, is highly effective in preventing acute rejection when used as immunoprophylaxis in patients receiving cyclosporin (Neoral(R))....

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a highly cost-effective treatment for symptoms of the menopause such as hot flushes (flashes). A number of economic evaluations have indicated that it may also be a cost-effective therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. However,...

A decision-tree simulation model is used to examine the costs associated with olanzapine versus haloperidol in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia in the UK. Parameter values and outcome scores were derived mainly from an international clinical trial. Resource consequences were examined...

The management of dyspepsia has been radically altered by the discovery of the role of Helicobacter pylori and the advent of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The use of PPIs alone as antisecretory agents and as part of triple therapy regimens for H. pylori eradication accounts for a significant...

Objective: This paper puts forward a proposal for a modelling approach to the estimation of long term cost savings from the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Design: In the proposed modelling approach, disease progression is defined in terms of intervals in the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE)...

Objective: Our objective was to identify, among the information routinely collected on patients in intensive care units (ICUs), data that determine the total cost for a given patient. Design: We developed a model that could help physicians in medical ICUs to estimate the cost of care for their...

Objective: The aim of the present study is to describe a refinement of a previously presented method, based on the concept of point sensitivity, to deal with uncertainty in economic studies. Design: The original method was refined by the incorporation of probability distributions which allow a...

Prevention and long term disease management have been added relatively recently as `new' components of a modern day total healthcare services system. The goal of primary prevention, which includes medical preventive services, lifestyle interventions and screening services, is to maintain a...

Outpatient parenteral antibacterial therapy (OPAT) is an increasingly popular means of containing the costs of antibacterial therapy, by avoiding the need for hospitalisation or allowing early discharge from hospital, in patients with serious infections. It also offers increased comfort and...