OBJECTIVES:  Although Markov cohort models represent one of the most common forms of decision-analytic models used in health technology assessment (HTA), correct implementation of such models requires reliable estimation of transition probabilities, often in the context of incomplete datasets (e.g. limited follow-up or not containing all relevant comparators). This study sought to identify formal recommendations, consensus statements or guidelines which detailed how such transition probability matrices should be estimated. METHODS:  A literature review was performed to identify relevant publications in the following databases: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library and Pubmed. Electronic searches were supplemented by hand-searches of HTA websites in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and the UK. One reviewer assessed studies for eligibility. RESULTS:  Of the