1. RESEARCH IMPACT

MATCH will develop a range of new methods in connection with:
 

Economic and value assessment. This includes

  • Value of information models (aimed at the expected value of specific trials, but including the use of imperfect information),  MATCH Strategy diagram
  • Models that can be used very early in the design process.
  • Power calculations for diagnostic tests
  • Contingent means (to analyse the situation where an individual’s best interest may be served by choosing a treatment and technology for which the average utility of the population at large would not commend it, but for which the individual utility
    makes it preferable).
  • Theory for the elicitation and application of Bayesian priors to medical device design
  • Tracker trials:
  • Models for device value based on device safety;
  • Portfolio analysis
  • Methods to support decision making, such as real options analysis and expert
     

User needs. This will include

  • Developing and refining new methods, demonstrated through case studies, that put end users in a very much stronger position to articulate and demand what they need
  • Specific new methods for user involvement and protocols for embedding user
    needs in the design process.

Much of this research will be funded under the core grant, but MATCH will seek to launch additional research programmes, where appropriate. An example might be collaboration with a leading US university on Bayesian methods.

MATCH will seek, wherever possible, to publish its research in A-class journals for maximum Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) impact. MATCH expects to release 10-15 high impact papers from its research layer over the next 3 years, with as many again from its Industrial Layer – half in methodology journals and half in industrial process journals. In 2007 or 2008, MATCH will seek to host or work with a major, international conference.  Health Technology Assessment International (HTAi) is a possibility.