A Framework for Developing the Structure of Public Health Economic Models

Abstract

This approach could improve the quality of Public Health economic models, supporting efficient allocation of scarce resources.

Screening for glucose intolerance and development of a lifestyle education programme for prevention of type 2 diabetes in a population with intellectual disabilities: the STOP Diabetes research project

“…The model was originally developed using a new conceptual modelling framework for complex public health models, 273 in collaboration with a project stakeholder group comprising health economists, public health specialists, research collaborators from other SPHR groups, diabetologists, local commissioners and lay members. A review of existing diabetes prevention models was undertaken to inform conceptual model development, 274 resulting in the model including multiple diabetes risk factors (in particular both BMI and impaired fasting glucose) and complications of diabetes and obesity.…”

Designing and Undertaking a Health Economics Study of Digital Health Interventions

“…44 These models and the techniques to develop them should be more widely embraced in economic analysis of DHIs. 45 As highlighted earlier, 15,16 there appears a role for agent-based modeling. 46,47 Within this approach, individuals make decisions autonomously, as well as interacting with others and with their environment using individually tailored "behavioral rules."…”

How Qualitative Methods Can be Used to Inform Model Development

“…3.0 Qualitative methods to understand and inform the process of future model development A number of studies have used qualitative methods to understand modelling practices and produce findings to inform future model development [18][19][20][21][22][23][24]. These studies all aimed to explore 'real' modelling processes, seeking to understand model development from the perspective of those involved and generate findings aimed at improving modelling methods.…”

“…A benefit of using observation was the ability to study interaction between informants [29], which revealed difficulties in communication during structural development, and allowed resulting recommendations to be focused on these more subtle challenges. Squires et al [24] also used observation and interviews to follow the development of a public health model, whilst also undertaking a focus group with modellers, and using documentary analysis to analyse personal notes from a previous project. The findings from these methods were consolidated for an understanding of what was working well and less well, to inform the development of a conceptual modelling framework [24].…”

“…Squires et al [24] also used observation and interviews to follow the development of a public health model, whilst also undertaking a focus group with modellers, and using documentary analysis to analyse personal notes from a previous project. The findings from these methods were consolidated for an understanding of what was working well and less well, to inform the development of a conceptual modelling framework [24]. Using these methods in combination enabled the authors to gauge whether their experiences and the thoughts and behaviours of other modellers aligned with issues occurring within actual model development, enhancing the reliability of the topics covered within the guidance.…”