Conceptualizing a Model (ISPOR-SMDM Modeling Good Research Practices Task Force-2)
This guideline helps researchers clearly define a health-economic decision problem and design an appropriate model structure to support decision-making.
At a glance
Use when
Developing a new health-economic model or adapting an existing one for a new context
Avoid when
Conducting non-modeling HTA assessments or when only empirical data synthesis is needed
Inputs
Decision context, clinical pathway, stakeholder perspectives, evidence on disease progression and interventions
Outputs
Clearly defined decision problem and conceptual model structure
How it works
A consensus-based report outlining best practices for the two-stage process of conceptualizing health-economic decision models: first, defining the decision problem (including scope, perspective, and target population); second, specifying the model structure (such as model type, time horizon, and level of detail). Developed by the ISPOR-SMDM Modeling Good Research Practices Task Force.
- HTA domains
- Clinical Effectiveness, Costs & Economic Evaluation, Organisational aspects
- Assumptions
- The model should reflect the decision context; structural choices should be informed by clinical and economic evidence and stakeholder input
- Strengths
- Provides a systematic, consensus-based framework for early model development; improves transparency and validity of health-economic models
- Limitations
- Does not provide technical guidance on model implementation or validation; limited detail on handling uncertainty in conceptual stages
- Also known as
- ISPOR-SMDM Task Force-2, Conceptualizing a Model
Questions this answers
- › What is the decision problem the model should address?
- › Who are the stakeholders and what is the model's perspective?
- › What is the appropriate model type and structure?
- › How should the target population be defined?
- › What time horizon and cycle length should be used?
- › What outcomes should be included in the model?
References & sources
Similar by meaning
Beta record. Based on the original catalogue summary; primary-source enrichment pending.