Modelos de decisão: uma introdução à aplicação em saúde

Abstract

The current paper is an introduction study regarding the use of decision models in the economic assessment in the health area. Such models are intended to be another support tool for managers who need to make decisions over treatments, procedures, programs and drugs in all different levels of decision in the health care system. Initially, an overhaul of the concepts from the Markov Chain was made into what was considered substantial to the use of the models that would be presented. Special attention was given to the absorbing chains because they were the most usual in situations where a patient is treated or followed-through until it is resolved with its convalescence or death. Because the theme is based in concepts from both Statistics and Economy, to whom not all statics graduates are familiar with, they will be introduced succinctly in a way that allows the understanding of the decision models presented. Concepts such as cost analysis, efficiency, quality of life, medicine based on evidences, among others, need to be incorporated by the statistician to be able to proceed with this type of study. Finally, decision models are presented for means of economic evaluation in health with introductory concepts and practical computer applications. Considerations and suggestions over future studies on decision models are presented.