The quality of three decision-analytic diabetes models: a systematic health economic assessment

Aims: Diabetes mellitus has important economic impacts worldwide. Interventions to prevent diabetes-related complications are often analyzed using model-based cost-effectiveness analyses. As model results are usually influenced by structural assumptions and by the data used, decision-makers should be able to assess the quality of diabetes models. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of selected diabetes models and to determine if modeling recommendations by the American Diabetes Association are considered. Methods: The quality of three selected diabetes models (Archimedes Model, CDC Model and Center for Outcomes Research [CORE] Diabetes Model) was assessed using systematic methods. Results: This systematic approach to assess model quality proved to be feasible and highlighted two areas for improvement: the rationale for model structure and methods to identify parameter values, which should be presented more transparently. Conclusions: Overall, the need for a quality assessment of diabetes models is emphasized.