Relationship between modeling technique and reported outcomes: case studies in models for the treatment of schizophrenia

Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res. 2014 Apr;14(2):235-57. doi: 10.1586/14737167.2014.891443. Epub 2014 Feb 25.

Abstract

Complex modeling techniques such as discrete-event simulation and simpler Markov or decision-tree models have been used to estimate the cost-effectiveness of treatment for chronic diseases such as schizophrenia. A systematic literature review of MEDLINE, EconLit, Embase, and the Cochrane Library identified schizophrenia modeling studies presenting incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. The relationship between modeling technique used and reported outcomes was examined. Fifty-four studies reporting results of 69 pairs of drug comparisons were identified. Of the paired-drug comparisons, 27 were conducted in at least two studies; in 14 of the 27, the results agreed (i.e., drug A cost-effective compared with drug B) despite differences in modeling techniques. Thirteen of the 27 paired-drug comparisons had contradictory study results even when the same modeling technique was used. Different modeling techniques did not appear to explain different findings about cost-effectiveness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Benzodiazepines / therapeutic use
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Humans
  • Models, Economic
  • Olanzapine
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Risperidone / therapeutic use
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Risperidone
  • Olanzapine