Assignment Brief: Decision Model Analysis

This assignment requires analyzing a decision model provided in Excel worksheets. The key tasks are:

1. Programming the Decision Model

• Use the provided structure and data to develop a stylized testing intervention within the decision tree model.

2. Performing Sensitivity Analysis

• Evaluate how variations in input parameters affect the model’s outcomes, including costs, QALYs, ICER, and INMB.

3. Reporting Results

• Write a concise report summarizing the findings from the decision model and sensitivity analysis.

Submission Details

Report Word Limit:
Up to 1,000 words, divided into:

• Results (~800 words): Present base-case findings and outcomes from the sensitivity analysis.
• Conclusions (~200 words): Provide actionable decision-making insights based on the analysis.

References:

• Use Harvard Referencing Style consistently.

Formatting Guidelines:

• Use clear headings to structure the report.
• Include well-labeled tables and figures where necessary.
• Ensure visual elements enhance clarity and avoid redundant data.

Worksheets Provided

1. Introduction: Overview of the assessment and relevant details.
2. Conceptual Model: Diagram of a decision tree outlining the structure.
3. Data: Input parameters, including clinical, cost, and outcome details.

Decision Problem

Population: Patients admitted to the hospital with suspected severe infection.
Intervention: Introducing a test to guide antibiotic use in the clinical pathway.
Comparator: Current clinical practice without the test.
Outcomes:

• Costs: Direct and incremental healthcare costs.
• Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs): Assessing life quality and duration.
• Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER): Comparing cost-effectiveness.
• Incremental Monetary Net Benefit (INMB): Quantifying benefits in monetary terms.

Model Summary

Structure: Decision tree.
Time Horizon: 12 months.
Perspective: Healthcare payer (costs in Canadian dollars).

Follow-Up Periods:

• 1 Month: Outcomes immediately post-hospitalization.
• 12 Months: Infection resolution and symptom evaluation.

Potential Patient States:

• Alive (with/without complications).
• Dead (with/without antibiotics).

Clinical Parameters

Cost Parameters (CAN $)

Outcome Parameters