Cost-Effectiveness Analysis With R?
Health economic models are used in health technology assessment (HTA) to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of competing medical technologies to inform the efficient use of healthcare resources.
These economic models have frequently been developed with Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software. However, in the last few years, given the limitations of Excel, there is an increased interest in using programming languages, primarily R, for the development of health economic models. R is a statistical programming language and environment for statistical computing. Free to use, R is derived from open-source, transparent, user-developed packages. It is well-suited for data management, statistical analysis, simulations, and visualization.
This white paper summarizes a recent webinar convened by PRECISIONheor, moderated by Dr. Jeroen Jansen, Chief Scientist. The webinar featured a discussion surrounding the use of R for model-based cost-effectiveness analysis, and what can be done to increase its uptake and acceptance. Webinar participants included Dr. Howard Thom, representing R-HTA and Dr. Petros Pechlivanoglou, representing DARTH.