OBJECTIVES : Manufacturers have a choice of software when developing cost-effectiveness models (CEMs) to submit to the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Microsoft Excel has long been a preferred platform, given its familiarity and perceived ease of use. The objective of this analysis was to assess the software chosen for NICE Single Technology Appraisal (STA) submissions in 2019 as well as for CEMs published by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) in the United States.

METHODS : Guidance published on NICE and ICER websites was reviewed to identify the software used. All NICE STA submissions and ICER reports published in 2019 (01/01/2019-31/12/2019) were reviewed to identify any trends and differences compared to 2018.

RESULTS : In the 50 completed STAs identified, the manufacturer documented the software used in only 21 (42%) submissions. Where the company did not provide this information, it was identified in the Evidence Review Group reports. The software used was unclear in 2 submissions; in all other cases Excel was used, including in patient-level simulation CEMs. In one submission (TA597) Excel was used as an interface to C++ to develop a microsimulation analysis. In the 3 ICER reports published during the same period, Excel was used for the development of the economic model in 2 of the assessments; for the third, the software used was not reported.

CONCLUSIONS : Excel continued to be only software used for CEMs submitted as part of the NICE STA process in 2019, as observed in 2018 when 100% (42/42) CEMs were built in Excel. Of note is the absence of any models developed in R which continues to gain traction in the academic field. Looking forward to 2020, the use of models developed using the heRo3 platform may become more widespread in ICER value assessments.