The Challenge of Transparency and Validation in Health Economic Decision Modelling: A View from Mount Hood

Area of Science:

• Health economics
• Decision science
• Pharmacoeconomics

Background:

• Transparency in health economic decision modelling is vital for building confidence in model-based cost-effectiveness analyses.
• The Mount Hood Diabetes Challenge Network facilitates transparency through biennial validation conferences for diabetes modelling groups.
• Model registration is proposed as a method to enhance transparency and minimize redundant research efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss definitions of transparency in health economic modelling.
• To describe the development, objectives, and future potential of a diabetes model registry by the Mount Hood Diabetes Challenge Network.
• To highlight challenges in constructing and maintaining such registries.

Main Methods:

• Following ISPOR-SMDM guidelines, recommending documentation for model reproduction without necessarily sharing code.
• Requesting documentation on validation methods and outcomes.
• Encouraging reference case simulations for model outcome comparison.

Main Results:

• Ongoing development of a diabetes model registry by the Mount Hood Diabetes Challenge Network.
• Discussion of conflicting definitions of transparency in health economic modelling.
• Identification of key stakeholder support (decision-making bodies, journals) as crucial for registry success.

Conclusions:

• A network of modelers is valuable for enhancing transparency in the absence of public funding.
• Successful implementation of registries requires stakeholder support.
• Continued development and maintenance of registries are essential for advancing transparency in health economic modelling.