A health economic model is a critical piece of evidence considered by health technology assessment (HTA) agencies globally to inform reimbursement decisions. These models use explicit decision frameworks and robust evidence on multiple parameters to identify the most cost-effective strategy to provide value for money for public investment.

The process of developing health economic models can be complex, and require model developers to make a number of decisions regarding model structure, comparators, model parameters, statistical approaches and modelling assumptions. These choices occur at every stage of the model development process. Failure to account for important complexities of the decision problem correctly may result in the development of models which can be contextually naïve, error-prone or non-useful for decision making.

More often than not, HTA agencies identify challenges in the economic models submitted for reimbursement. These challenges may be methodological or structural; as a result, models may not appropriately reflect the disease process, current scientific evidence and/or the population or the decision-making context. These modelling issues have the potential to alter the final reimbursement recommendations.

We reviewed > 50 pharmacoeconomic reports published by CADTH and NICE based on their critical review of economic models submitted for drug reimbursement in Canada and the UK. We identified, classified and critically appraised the key methodological challenges identified in the economic models submitted by manufacturers. We particularly focused on modeling choices considered questionable by the review committees and were subsequently evaluated in their reanalysis to re-estimate cost-effectiveness estimates.

In this webinar, we discuss common problems with models submitted to HTA agencies, their impact on cost-effectiveness estimates, and practical strategies to avoid or overcome these challenges. In short, we discuss how not to model. We also discuss the role and steps in model validation process for early identification of issues with economic models.

You will benefit most from this webinar if you are one of the following:

1. Developing or reviewing health economic models
2. Supervising a team who deals with health economics or health economic modeling
3. Interested in understanding the key areas considered by HTA agencies in their review process
4. Member of or involved with stakeholders in the HTA review process (such as submitting manufacturers, review groups, review committee)

Complete list of training program by ConnectHEOR: