Introduction:
This article uses the Multi Criteria Decision Matrix (MCDM) technique to
field test the framework for decision making on a specific cervical cancer screening test (liquid-based cytology, LBC) by a private health plan in South Africa. MCDM supports complex decision-making that allows a structured consideration of factors that are both measurable and value-based in approach. The objective of the study with use of MCDM technique was to expand the scope of field testing both geographically, and in consideration with the specific type of intervention.
Study:
Using a committee of health care professionals, MCDM was applied to determine what would be the most probable opportunity to enter the market of LBC testing in a community where traditional Pap smears are provided at no cost to citizens.
Greatest weights were given to budget impact, cost-effectiveness and completeness and consistency of reporting evidence. When appraising LBC for cervical cancer screening, the committee formed for the case study assigned the highest scores to relevance and disease severity.
The contextual criteria applied to this study were: impact on future decisions, relationship with pathology providers, impact on screening intervals, and patient expectation; these criteria were evaluated qualitatively.
Conclusion:
This article demonstrates the application of the MCDM technique as it applies to the healthcare industry. The use of this methodology incorporates many different aspects and viewpoints of individuals and/or stakeholders that are involved to reach a decision, leading to a broadening of LBC cervical cancer screening acceptability in healthcare decision-making.
Further field testing is ongoing to collaboratively advance MCDM approaches and contribute to more transparent and efficient healthcare decision-making.
Source:
Miot, J. (2012). Field testing of a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework for coverage of a screening test for cervical cancer in South Africa. Retrieved from http://www.resource-allocation.com/content/pdf/1478-7547-10-2.pdf
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Is this a reliable enough technique for decision making that it would you rely on it alone or would you use it as a guide, rather than the final factor. Especially in the healthcare field, I would have my doubts about whether I'd want it involved with a medical screening process.
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