Analytical approach:
A disease-progression model was constructed to extend the clinical data from a pharmaceutical company database (i3 InVision database) with follow-up period of 15 months to a lifetime horizon. The authors stated the perspective of a payer (managed care organisation) was adopted.
Effectiveness data:
The data were based on analysis of the i3 InVision database. The time horizon of these data was limited (15 months) and the effectiveness over a lifetime was estimated based on authors’ assumptions. The effectiveness was measured by the cardiovascular and bleeding events, heart disease-related hospitalisations and emergency room visits.
Monetary benefit and utility valuations:
Not applicable.
Measure of benefit:
The measure of benefit was life-years saved, which was discounted at a 3% annual rate.
Cost data:
The costs were of thienopyridine drug, emergency room visits and in-patient stays (including hospital charges and physician fees). Data were from the sample of patients in the i3 InVision database and a cohort study (TRITON-TIMI 38) conducted in eight countries. Hospitalisation costs were estimated according to associated diagnosis-related groups. All costs were expressed in 2009 US dollars ($).
Analysis of uncertainty:
One-way sensitivity analysis and scenario analysis were conducted to assess the impact of variations in the key model inputs. The impact of uncertainty around all model inputs was assessed using probabilistic sensitivity analysis and results were presented in cost-effectiveness acceptability curves.