A methodological guide for implementing and interpreting results of probabilistic analysis.

Introduction: Probabilistic analysis, also referred to as probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA), is used extensively in cost-effectiveness evaluations of health technologies. We present methodological guidance for implementing probabilistic analysis and interpreting its results for policy and decision-making.

Methods: We review the methodological issues related to common practices in probabilistic analysis, explore aspects that are currently not widely addressed in the health economics literature, and provide an overview of recent methodological developments.

Respiratory syncytial virus vaccination strategies for older Canadian adults: a cost-utility analysis.

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines could reduce disease burden and costs in older Canadian adults, but vaccination program cost-effectiveness is unknown. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of different age cut-offs for RSV adult vaccination programs, with or without a focus on people with higher disease risk due to chronic medical conditions.

Methods: We developed a static individual-based model of medically attended RSV disease to compare alternative age-, medical risk-, and age-plus medical risk-based vaccination policies.

Systematic Review on the Cost-Effectiveness of Seasonal Influenza Vaccines in Older Adults.

Objectives: Older adults are at high risk of influenza-related complications or hospitalization. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the relative cost-effectiveness of all influenza vaccine options for older adults.

Methods: This systematic review identified economic evaluation studies assessing the cost-effectiveness of influenza vaccines in adults ≥65 years of age from 5 literature databases.

Gap analyses to assess Canadian readiness for respiratory syncytial virus vaccines: Report from an expert retreat.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause severe disease in infants and older adults. Various vaccine candidates are in development and may become authorized for use in Canada within the next 2-5 years. The Public Health Agency of Canada sought to enhance preparedness for RSV vaccine and passive immunization candidates by organizing an expert retreat to identify knowledge gaps in surveillance and research and development in the context of provincial and territorial RSV public health priorities.

Comparison of the expected rewards between probabilistic and deterministic analyses in a Markov model.

: In Markov models that evaluate the cost-effectiveness of health-care technologies, it is generally recommended to use probabilistic analysis instead of deterministic analysis. We sought to compare the performance of probabilistic and deterministic analysis in estimating the expected rewards in a Markov model.: We applied Jensen's inequality to compare the expected Markov rewards between probabilistic and deterministic analysis and conducted a simulation study to compare the bias and accuracy between the two approaches.

Health-related quality of life in persons with West Nile virus infection: a longitudinal cohort study.

Background: West Nile virus (WNV) infections are predominantly asymptomatic, although almost 1% become neuroinvasive and debilitating. We describe the impact of neuroinvasive and non-neuroinvasive disease on patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods: Short Form 36 questionnaire data came from a Canadian WNV cohort (Loeb 2008) of 154 patients followed for up to three years.

Epidemiologic and clinical parameters of West Nile virus infections in humans: a scoping review.

Background: Clinical syndromes associated with West Nile virus (WNV) infection range from fever to neuroinvasive disease. Understanding WNV epidemiology and disease history is important for guiding patient care and healthcare decision-making. The objective of this review was to characterize the existing body of peer-reviewed and surveillance literature on WNV syndromes and summarize epidemiologic and clinical parameters.

Health-related quality of life, comorbidities and mortality in pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial infections: A systematic review.

Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections are increasing in disease frequency worldwide. This systematic review examines health-related quality of life (HRQOL), comorbidities and mortality associated with pulmonary NTM disease. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus Life Sciences, conference proceedings and Google (earliest date available to February 2015) for primary studies.

The cost-utility of integrated cervical cancer prevention strategies in the Ontario setting - Can we do better?

Introduction: A universal, publicly funded, school-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program in grade eight girls was initiated in Ontario in 2007. We present a cost-utility analysis of integrated cervical cancer prevention programs from the healthcare payer perspective.

Methods: Our analysis was based on linked HPV transmission and disease history models.

Changes in quality of life, healthcare use, and substance use in HIV/hepatitis C coinfected patients after hepatitis C therapy: a prospective cohort study.

Objective: Clinical benefits of achieving a sustained virologic response (SVR) with hepatitis c virus (HCV) therapy beyond reducing liver-related outcomes have not been documented in HIV-coinfected patients, who have multiple competing health problems. To gauge the potential benefits of curing HCV in coinfected people, we examined changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL), healthcare and substance use, and overall mortality after treatment for HCV Coinfection.

Design: Prospective multicentre cohort study.

Cost effectiveness of hepatitis C-related interventions targeting substance users and other high-risk groups: a systematic review.

Background And Objective: In developed countries, injection drug users have the highest prevalence and incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Clinicians and policy makers have several options for reducing morbidity and mortality related to HCV infection, including preventing new infections, screening high-risk populations, and optimizing uptake and delivery of antiviral therapy. Cost-effectiveness analyses provide an estimate of the value for money associated with adopting healthcare interventions.