Mapping for economic evaluation
Abstract
Introduction/background Mapping provides a statistical algorithm that allows the estimation of utilities and consequently calculation of QALYs in clinical studies where preference-based measures are not implemented. Sources of data Reviews of the mapping literature were utilized. Areas of agreement Mapping requires similar populations between the estimation and study data sets, with a high degree of overlap between the target and base measures being desirable. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recognizes mapping as a method to provide utility information. Areas of controversy Issues surrounding mapping include the descriptive system of the measure, the appropriate econometric method and model specification. Growing points There is a need for further research into the issue of over-prediction for severe health states and uncertainty around the estimated utility scores. Areas timely for developing research Mapping continues to be an important area of research for economic evaluation, in particular validation of mapping functions.