Combining Utility Measurements

摘要: The use of utility values in cost-effectiveness analysis is an accepted method for defining outcomes. Increasingly, analyses examine outcomes that involve two or more health states. There no mathematically combining single state into a surrogate value represents the combined state. To test effect different mathematical approaches to on ratio, sample model. We employed realistic decision model screening postpartum thyroiditis. Utility type 1 diabetes mellitus and thyroiditis were taken from literature using methods. obtained multiplicative higher than those with additive (for example, both treated had 0.75 versus 0.73 method). resulting ratios strategy slightly higher, $US16 000 (1998 values) per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), when compared ($US14 QALY). This small difference was consistently maintained during sensitivity analyses. All methods utilities resulted similar values. Until consensus reached choice, researchers should consider reporting sets results.