title: Searching for consensus through multi-criteria decision analysis. Assessment of screening strategies for hemoglobinopathies in southeastern France.
abstract: Until now, no systematic strategy for the prevention of major hemoglobinopathies has been implemented in southeastern France, in spite of frequencies of beta-thalassemia trait and HbS trait as high as 2.5-8% in some ethnic populations. The purpose of the study was to help a group of experts, brought together by the Regional Center for Disease Control, to reach a consensus about screening for carriers of heterozygote hemoglobinopathies. A multicriteria decision-analysis model was used to take into account not only the costs and effectiveness of potential screening strategies, but also five other qualitative criteria: technical and practical feasibilities, ethical acceptability, information follow-up in time, and global impact on health education. Conclusions differ significantly from those of a pure cost-effectiveness analysis, but a multicriteria approach seems best suited to medical experts' preferences.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Le Gales
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Moatti
mesh_terms: D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D005602:France; D006453:Hemoglobinopathies / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008954:Models, Biological; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical