title: Developing a multi-criteria approach for drug reimbursement decision making: an initial step forward.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Coverage decisions for a new drug revolve around the balance between perceived value and price. But what is the perceived value of a new drug? Traditionally, the assessment of such value has largely revolved around the estimation of cost-effectiveness. However, very few will argue that the cost-effectiveness ratio presents a fulsome picture of 'value'. Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) has been advocated as an alternative to cost-effectiveness analysis and it has been argued that it better reflects real world decision-making.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this project was to address the issue of the lack of a satisfactory methodology to measure value for drugs by developing a framework to operationalize an MCDA approach incorporating societal values as they pertain to the value of drugs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two workshops were held, one in Toronto in conjunction with the CAPT annual conference, and one in Ottawa, as part of the annual CADTH Symposium. Notes were taken at both workshops and the data collected was analyzed using a grounded theory approach. The intent was to reflect, as accurately as possible, what was said at the workshops, without normative judgement.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results to date are a set of guiding principles and criteria. There are currently ten criteria: Comparative effectiveness, Adoption feasibility, Risks of adverse events, Patient autonomy, Societal benefit, Equity, Strength of evidence, Incidence/prevalence/severity of condition, Innovation, and Disease prevention/ health promotion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Much progress has been made and it is now time to share the results. Feedback will determine the final shape of the framework proposed.
authors.forename: Francois
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dionne
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mitton
authors.forename: Bill
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dempster
authors.forename: Larry D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Lynd
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D057186:Comparative Effectiveness Research; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D016527:Drug Costs; D066296:Grounded Theory; D005102:Health Expenditures; D006801:Humans; D019458:Insurance Coverage / Q000191:economics*; D007349:Insurance, Health, Reimbursement / Q000191:economics*; D018803:Models, Economic; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years