 Estimating Expected Value of Sample Information for Incomplete Data Models Using Bayesian ApproximationSamer A. Kharroubi, Alan Brennan and Mark Strong Medical Decision Making, 2011, vol. 31, issue 6, 839-852 Abstract: Expected value of sample information (EVSI) involves simulating data collection, Bayesian updating, and reexamining decisions. Bayesian updating in incomplete data models typically requires Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). This article describes a revision to a form of Bayesian Laplace approximation for EVSI computation to support decisions in incomplete data models. The authors develop the approximation, setting out the mathematics for the likelihood and log posterior density function, which are necessary for the method. They compare the accuracy of EVSI estimates in a case study cost-effectiveness model using first- and second-order versions of their approximation formula and traditional Monte Carlo. Computational efficiency gains depend on the complexity of the net benefit functions, the number of inner-level Monte Carlo samples used, and the requirement or otherwise for MCMC methods to produce the posterior distributions. This methodology provides a new and valuable approach for EVSI computation in health economic decision models and potential wider benefits in many fields requiring Bayesian approximation. Keywords: Bayesian decision theory; value of information; uncertainty; sample size; clinical trial design; stochastic CEA; approximate Bayesian inference; incomplete data models (search for similar items in EconPapers) Downloads: (external link) Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:medema:v:31:y:2011:i:6:p:839-852 Access Statistics for this article More articles in Medical Decision Making |
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