A Framework for Developing the Structure of Public Health Economic Models
This framework helps modelers build better economic models for public health interventions by taking into account the complexity of public health systems. It emphasizes understanding the problem, involving stakeholders, using a systems approach, and considering all health determinants before building a model.
At a glance
Use when
Designing economic models for public health interventions, especially in complex or multi-level systems where broader social and organizational factors matter
Avoid when
Rapid modeling with limited resources or stakeholder access; when only narrow clinical outcomes are of interest
Inputs
Problem definition, stakeholder input, evidence on health determinants, decision context, system dynamics understanding
Outputs
Justified model structure, documented rationale for model design, stakeholder-aligned economic model framework
How it works
The framework provides a structured methodology for developing public health economic models through four principles: (1) adopting a systems approach, (2) documenting problem understanding prior to model structuring, (3) maintaining continuous stakeholder communication, and (4) systematically considering health determinants. The methodology includes four phases: aligning with decision-making (A), identifying stakeholders (B), understanding the problem (C), and developing and justifying the model structure (D). It was developed through literature review, qualitative research with modelers, and piloting.
- HTA domains
- Costs & Economic Evaluation, Organisational aspects, Patient and Social Aspects
- Categories
- Context & ImplementationCost-effectiveness ModellingData Exploration & VisualizationStandardisation
- Assumptions
- Modelers have access to stakeholders and contextual data; public health interventions require broader modeling considerations than clinical interventions; transparency and documentation improve model quality
- Strengths
- Promotes systems thinking, enhances model transparency and credibility, integrates stakeholder perspectives, supports comprehensive impact assessment
- Limitations
- Requires time and resources for stakeholder engagement; may be challenging to apply in data-scarce settings; not a modeling tool itself but a guide for model development
- Also known as
- Public Health Economic Modeling Framework, Conceptual Modeling Framework for Public Health Economics
Questions this answers
- › How should public health economic models be structured to reflect system complexity?
- › What steps ensure the model aligns with real-world decision-making needs?
- › How can stakeholder input improve model credibility and relevance?
- › What factors should be considered when identifying the impacts of public health interventions?
- › How can modelers justify the structural choices in their economic models?
- › What practices improve the validity and transparency of public health models?
References & sources
Similar by meaning
- Conceptualizing a Model (ISPOR-SMDM Modeling Good Research Practices Task Force-2)
- Economic Evaluations with Agent-Based Modelling: An Introduction
- A Health Economics Approach to US Value Assessment Frameworks
- Approaches to Aggregation and Decision Making—A Health Economics Approach
- Economic Analysis of Vaccination Programs
Beta record. Generated from the primary source via AI extraction and independent audit, pending final human review.