5,208 research outputs found
NEURAL NETWORKS FOR DECISION SUPPORT: PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Neural networks offer an approach to computing which - unlike conventional
programming - does not necessitate a complete algorithmic specification. Furthermore,
neural networks provide inductive means for gathering, storing, and
using, experiential knowledge. Incidentally, these have also been some of the
fundamental motivations for the development of decision support systems in
general. Thus, the interest in neural networks for decision support is immediate
and obvious. In this paper, we analyze the potential contribution of neural
networks for decision support, on one hand, and point out at some inherent constraints
that might inhibit their use, on the other. For the sake of completeness
and organization, the analysis is carried out in the context of a general-purpose
DSS framework that examines all the key factors that come into play in the
design of any decision support system.Information Systems Working Papers Serie
A systematic review of economic evaluations assessing the cost-effectiveness of licensed drugs used for previously treated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) negative advanced/metastatic non-small cell lung cancer
Background
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers. There are many published studies of cost-effectiveness analyses of licensed treatments, but no study has compared these studies or their approaches simultaneously.
Objective
To investigate the methodology used in published economic analyses of licensed interventions for previously treated advanced/metastatic NSCLC in patients without anaplastic lymphoma kinase or epidermal growth factor receptor expression.
Methods
A systematic review was performed, including a systematic search of key databases (e.g. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Knowledge, Cost-effectiveness Registry) limited to the period from 01 January 2001 to 26 July 2019. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data and quality appraised identified studies. The reporting quality of the studies was assessed by using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards and the Philips’ checklists.
Results
Thirty-one published records met the inclusion criteria, which corresponded to 30 individual cost-effectiveness analyses. Analytical approaches included partitioned survival models (n = 14), state-transition models (n = 7) and retrospective analyses of new or published data (n = 8). Model structure was generally consistent, with pre-progression, post-progression and death health states used most commonly. Other characteristics varied more widely, including the perspective of analysis, discounting, time horizon, usually to align with the country that the analysis was set in.
Conclusions
There are a wide range of approaches in the modelling of treatments for advanced NSCLC; however, the model structures are consistent. There is variation in the exploration of sensitivity analyses, with considerable uncertainty remaining in most evaluations. Improved reporting is necessary to ensure transparency in future analyses
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