Setting priorities for diverse equipment acquisition and program proposals with automated multiattributed utility...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Decision Science
• Health Economics

Background:

• Healthcare systems face challenges in prioritizing resource allocation for new services.
• Objective evaluation of health service proposals is crucial for efficient expansion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a computer-based multiattributed utility function methodology for prioritizing health service expansion proposals.
• To assess the methodology's effectiveness in a real-world Veterans Affairs (VA) regional setting.

Main Methods:

• Development and application of a computer-based multiattributed utility function.
• Assessment of health service proposals based on multiple criteria including costs, quality, and benefits.
• Validation of the methodology across a range of diverse proposals.

Main Results:

• The multiattributed utility function methodology provided a rational basis for assigning priorities.
• The system demonstrated validity and applicability across various types of health service proposals.
• The approach facilitated objective decision-making in resource allocation.

Conclusions:

• The computer-based utility function methodology is a valid tool for prioritizing health service expansions.
• This approach enhances rational decision-making in healthcare resource allocation.
• The methodology offers a systematic framework for evaluating diverse health service proposals.