DARTH Decision-Analytic Modeling Coding Framework (A Need for Change!)
A standardized way to write and organize code in R for health decision models, making them easier to understand, check, and reuse.
At a glance
Use when
Developing or reviewing decision-analytic models in R, especially when transparency, reproducibility, or team collaboration is important
Avoid when
Working in other programming languages (e.g., Python, Excel), or when strict adherence to coding standards is not feasible
Inputs
R code for decision-analytic models, model parameters, health state transitions, cost and utility inputs
Outputs
Structured, well-documented R code for decision-analytic models, reproducible model results
How it works
A coding framework developed by the DARTH workgroup that provides standardized R programming practices, file structures, and naming conventions for decision-analytic models, particularly state-transition models, to enhance transparency, reproducibility, and collaboration.
- HTA domains
- Clinical Effectiveness, Costs & Economic Evaluation, Organisational aspects
- Assumptions
- Users are familiar with R programming and decision-analytic modeling concepts such as Markov and discrete event simulation models
- Strengths
- Improves model transparency, supports reproducibility, facilitates peer review and collaboration, reduces coding errors through standardization
- Limitations
- Requires adherence to specific coding practices, limited to R users, may have a learning curve for new users
- Also known as
- DARTH Coding Framework, A Need for Change!, Decision-Analytic Modeling Coding Framework
Questions this answers
- › How can decision-analytic models be coded more transparently?
- › What naming conventions improve model readability and reproducibility?
- › How should model components be organized in code?
- › What structure supports collaboration in health economic modeling?
- › How can R code for state-transition models be standardized?
- › What practices reduce errors in model implementation?
References & sources
Similar by meaning
- Iterative Decision-Making Framework for Model-Based Decision Making
- Microsimulation Modeling for Health Decision Sciences Using R: A Tutorial
- Conceptualizing a Model (ISPOR-SMDM Modeling Good Research Practices Task Force-2)
- SMART Tool
- Framework for Addressing Structural Uncertainty in Decision Models (Bojke et al.)
Beta record. Based on the original catalogue summary; primary-source enrichment pending.