title: Setting priorities for diverse equipment acquisition and program proposals with automated multiattributed utility functions.
abstract: This article reports on a computer-based multiattributed utility function methodology applied in one region of the VA to rationally assign priorities to new proposals for expanding health services. Based on assessing their costs, quality, and benefits, the methodology demonstrated validity across diverse proposals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs, Great Lakes Health Services Research and Development Field Program, Ann Arbor, MI.
authors.forename: P W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Durance
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jacobs
authors.forename: C B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Kerr
mesh_terms: D004865:Equipment and Supplies, Hospital / Q000600:supply & distribution; D006114:Great Lakes Region; D006292:Health Priorities / Q000145:classification*; D006295:Health Resources / Q000600:supply & distribution; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012040:Regional Health Planning / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D015203:Reproducibility of Results