Tools

Our health solutions are built on the foundation of best available evidence. We query all major literature databases and the web using our bank of search strategies in six languages.

Apart form published data, we use raw data from clinical trials, as well as epidemiological and health care utilisation data, such as Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health Survey for England, as well WHO Health For All and CHOICE data; we also have experience with primary care patient records from the Health Improvement Network (THIN). General population and disease specific utilisation and quality of life data are also available to us through established collaborations. To obtain health related utility measures we design disease specific surveys.

Modelling technique is chosen based on the logic of patient pathway, presented in the Blueprint. The initial model is typically drafted in TreeAge or Simul8, enabling intuitive interpretation and facilitating refinement. The final version of the model is usually implemented in Excel, either fully within the spreadsheet, or using VBA. If necessary, computationally intensive modules are coded as C++ engines. Bayesian methods can be used to obtain data input into a model, although models can be coded entirely in WinBugs. Models can also be delivered as fully customised stand-alone applications for any operating system.

The models not only replicate and extrapolate existing evidence, but provide insights into evidence required to meet pre-specified criteria. This is achieved by using optimisation tools.