Conception Of A Model

Published Sep 17, 2012
Princeton, NJ, USA – Inevitably it happens: your car breaks down and you have to ask yourself, “What is the problem – really?” Health care researchers must ask the same question and then proceed to design a model that appropriately fits that problem. In the paper, “Conceptualizing a Model: A Report of the ISPOR-SMDM Modeling Good Research Practices Task Force Working Group-2,” expert health care research modelers describe best practices for conceptualizing models. Lead author, Mark Roberts, MD, MPP, references one recommendation that states, “Several model types may be suitable. Some problems are more naturally represented in some types than others.” Dr. Roberts goes on to say, “The important aspect of this recommendation is that it suggests that the structure and complexity of the problem itself should be the primary driver in determining the appropriate type of modeling method used to represent the problem. Too often, a modeling method that is less well suited to the task is used because of familiarity with the tool, rather than an appropriate match between the characteristics of the problem and the advantages of a particular modeling type.” This paper is one of the seven papers in the series on modeling study best practices and is jointly published in Value in Health, the official journal of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR), and Medical Decision Making, the official journal of the Society for Medical Decision Making (SMDM).

Value in Health (ISSN 1098-3015) publishes papers, concepts, and ideas that advance the field of pharmacoeconomics and outcomes research as well as policy papers to help health care leaders make evidence-based decisions. The journal is published bi-monthly and has over 8,000 subscribers (clinicians, decision makers, and researchers worldwide).

International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) is a nonprofit, international, educational and scientific organization that strives to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness of health care resource use to improve health. For more information: www.ispor.org

Related Stories

Redefining Value in Care for Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

Apr 8, 2025

Value in Health, the official journal of ISPOR—The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research, announced the publication of a special themed section of research papers that provide crucial insights into the complex health economics of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), offering a roadmap for future research and policy as the aging population grows and novel treatments emerge.

Advancing the Economics of Mental Health: A Global Perspective

Mar 12, 2025

Value in Health, the official journal of ISPOR announced the publication of a special themed section of research papers exploring mental health economics, highlighting impacts on caregivers, productivity, and interventions’ cost-effectiveness.

Generative AI Set to Reshape Health Technology Assessment, ISPOR Report Finds

Feb 11, 2025

Value in Health, the official journal of ISPOR—The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research, announced today the publication of an ISPOR Working Group Report that provides an introduction to the uses of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in health technology assessment (HTA).
Your browser is out-of-date

ISPOR recommends that you update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on ispor.org. Update my browser now

×