State-transition modeling: a report of the ISPOR-SMDM Modeling Good Research Practices Task Force-3

Med Decis Making. 2012 Sep-Oct;32(5):690-700. doi: 10.1177/0272989X12455463.

Abstract

State-transition modeling (STM) is an intuitive, flexible, and transparent approach of computer-based decision-analytic modeling, including both Markov model cohort simulation as well as individual-based (first-order Monte Carlo) microsimulation. Conceptualizing a decision problem in terms of a set of (health) states and transitions among these states, STM is one of the most widespread modeling techniques in clinical decision analysis, health technology assessment, and health-economic evaluation. STMs have been used in many different populations and diseases, and their applications range from personalized health care strategies to public health programs. Most frequently, state-transition models are used in the evaluation of risk factor interventions, screening, diagnostic procedures, treatment strategies, and disease management programs.

MeSH terms

  • Benchmarking
  • Cohort Studies
  • Decision Making*
  • Markov Chains
  • Models, Theoretical*