Toward a peer review process for medical decision analysis models

This paper presents a framework for a peer review process for medical decision analysis models. This framework is based on the collective experience of the members of the Inter-PORT Decision Modeling work group, a team of decision analysis experts comprising members from each of the Patient Outcomes Research Teams (PORTs), sponsored by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. Important general principles of correct model structure include choice of model type, perspective of the analysis, choice of utility scheme and identification of strategies that should be included and events that should be modeled. In addition, a set of rules for correct decision model structure may help to identify common errors. Although not necessarily exhaustive, this scheme provides an approach by which a reviewer may judge the adequacy of a decision model presented for publication or as the basis for a health policy.