How Qualitative Methods Can be Used to Inform Model Development

Area of Science:

• Health economics
• Decision science
• Mathematical modeling

Background:

• Decision-analytic models are crucial for healthcare resource allocation.
• Concerns exist regarding the credibility and validity of these models.
• Existing modeling methods guidance may not address all modeller challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the application of qualitative methods in decision-analytic model development.
• To enhance the credibility and practices of modeling.
• To identify how qualitative approaches can inform and improve modeling processes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on the use of qualitative methods in decision-analytic modeling.
• Discussion of two primary approaches for applying qualitative methods.
• Analysis of how qualitative methods address challenges in model development.

Main Results:

• Qualitative methods can inform general and future model development processes.
• Qualitative techniques can directly influence the development of individual models.
• These methods improve model validity by identifying issues and guiding development.

Conclusions:

• Qualitative methods enhance the credibility of decision-analytic models.
• Integrating qualitative methods into model development is recommended.
• Studying real-world modeling processes and adopting qualitative techniques in practice is advised.