Data Analysis and Synthesis
Evidence drives our work. We search for all of the available information in the literature, talk with subject matter experts, and evaluate and synthesize what we learn using quantitative methods to the extent possible. We use probability distributions to characterize variability, which comes from real differences that exist between individuals. We also use probability distributions to characterize uncertainty, which comes from a lack of perfect information and the need to make projections for prospective analyses.
Decision Analysis
We look at decisions analytically. We carefully consider all of the options and evaluate the trade-offs. Our work recognizes that individual values and preferences matter, and that to make good decisions, we need good information individually and collectively. As part of our work, we consider the challenges of characterizing the benefits of public policy interventions with respect to potential winners and losers, and we seek to find options that offer the opportunity for all to benefit on net with full consideration of uncertainty.
Economics
Achieving good health outcomes requires paying real money for interventions, but are we getting a good deal when we invest? We model the benefits and the costs of interventions to help individuals and public decision makers understand the trade-offs associated with their choices. Economic analyses include cost estimation, benefit-cost analysis, and cost-effectiveness analyses, and a large number of other methods. We typically report the results of our economic analyses using multiple metrics (for example, both as incremental net benefits and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios).
Economics
Achieving good health outcomes requires paying real money for interventions, but are we getting a good deal when we invest? We model the benefits and the costs of interventions to help individuals and public decision makers understand the trade-offs associated with their choices. Economic analyses include cost estimation, benefit-cost analysis, and cost-effectiveness analyses, and a large number of other methods. We typically report the results of our economic analyses using multiple metrics (for example, both as incremental net benefits and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios).
Risk Analysis
When assessing risks, we ask: what could happen (what are the possibilities?), how likely are these things to happen (what are the probabilities?), and what outcomes could we observe (what are the consequences?) We consider all aspects of risk analysis in our work, including risk perception, assessment, management, and communication. With respect to modeling risks, we simulate variability and/or uncertainty as appropriate, to provide estimates for different individuals and transparency about how uncertainty impacts the estimates.
System Dynamics
Understanding how things work drives us to build dynamic models to understand the complex systems. We see entire systems and characterize how the different components interact. Using system dynamics, we explore growth, feedback, and behaviors that can lead to unintended consequences as we explore how things may change over time.
Value of Information
When making decisions, sometimes the best option is to collect more data or get more information. Our expertise in value of information analysis permeates our approach to questions. We ask, would it really make a difference to get more information, or are we better off deciding now? If we could obtain better information, is it worth the cost and delay?
Contact us about your integrated modeling needs!