In cost-effectiveness analyses, models are used typically to synthesize the best available data and/or extrapolate beyond clinical trial data. Ideally, models should be validated both internally and externally. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a test for internal validation of models...

After acquiring a varicella virus infection, the virus can reactivate and cause herpes zoster (HZ)—a painful skin rash. A complication of HZ is long-term persistence of pain after the rash has resolved (so-called postherpetic neuralgia, PHN). We aimed to describe the epidemiology of HZ/PHN and...

Introduction In Germany, all new, innovative medicines are subject to an early benefit assessment by the German Federal Joint Committee with subsequent price negotiation and optional arbitration. The purpose of this study was to identify drivers of negotiated (including arbitrated) prices of...

It is well known that small, randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) have limited validity. When comparing the results of meta-analyses with those of later large trials or with those of large trials removed from the meta-analyses, discrepancies were reported. This paper addresses two issues: (1)...

Some bias can occur when an increase in non-target-disease-specific mortality is not considered when modelling the outcomes of screening tests. </AbstractSection> Copyright Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013