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N. Popper, G. Endel, G. Zauner:
"Data, Methods, Models and Result Interpretation: A Model based Combination of various Skills to the IFEDH Framework";
Vortrag: MATHMOD 2012 - 7th Vienna Conference on Mathematical Modelling, Wien; 14.02.2012 - 17.02.2012; in: "Preprints Mathmod 2012 Vienna - Full Paper Volume", F. Breitenecker, I. Troch (Hrg.); Argesim / Asim, 38 (2012), S. 179 - 180.

Introduction. As health care systems in all industrialized countries and newly industrialized countries have to deal
with limited resources, growing demand and upcoming new technologies, high quality decision support and health
technology assessment (HTA) based on dynamic and static modeling is getting more and more essential. In
Austria the research project Innovative Framework for Evidence based Decision support in Health care (IFEDH)
founded by The Austrian Research Promotion Agency is developing a framework addressing HTA questions.
The main focus of the project lies on the development of processes leading an interdisciplinary group of experts in
the field of HTA, statistics, modeling, visualization and database analysts through the whole HTA production
cycle, using infectious diseases simulation and vaccination as one example. The modeling process and the
generation and design of adequate modeling methods are one core part. Besides this, the model and parameter
validation as well as verification are in focus. The data quality assessments as well as the outcome interpretation
are set up interdisciplinary, ensuring the necessary project quality and acceptance on the side of policymakers.
Approach. In the context of IFEDH a model based framework has to be implemented using detailed knowledge of
the partners from different domains. The first step in the project is the analysis of model and structure know how
as well as gathering the state of the art of modeling in HTA in Austria. Based on this information a specification of
requirements regarding model structure and documentation of simulation outputs are set up. The third step,
representing one of the core working tasks of the network is the development of adequate/reusable modeling
structures and modeling methods. Therefore an evaluation table of methods in use as well as modeling and
simulation strategies from other domains with a potential use in HTA is acquired. Furthermore modular model
parts are developed and tested for their reusability. The analysis of data source depending to each module as well
as the realization of usability tables and interface descriptions finalize this task, ensuring high flexibility and
reusability. Based on exploratory work on
 different modeling techniques of infectious diseases [1],
 herd immunity effects of population groups using agent based modeling methods [2] and
 work of IFEDH members on serotype behavior modeling for infectious diseases and vaccination
strategies [3]
recommendations for good practice are developed.
In act with the evaluation and integration of classical HTA methods, the development of methods for data
preparation and analysis with respect to Austrian reimbursement data a "good practice" manual will be developed.
The development of standardized visualization concepts for model parameters, model structures and the results,
together with research on scenario set up and sensitivity analysis workflow is integrated and tested for practical
use, by implementation of three real world HTA questions.
Conclusion. The description of the research project presented in the paper shows how different scientific domains
can be joined to a joint overall approach in model based HTA. As decision support has to become faster because of
legal obligations and the globalized interaction of people and therefore spreading of infectious diseases over
borders and continents a predefined work plan, parameter sources and modular reusable model parts are
developed. The theoretical work in the field of statistical methods, testing of adequate visualization methods and
data quality assessment tools as well as a content management tool for the process guarantee that the boundaries
regarding time span and quality can be observed.