Optimal allocation of resources in healthcare vs. multiple-criteria decision-making model

Abstract

Given the growing challenges of unmet medical needs, the interest in
the search for optimal allocation of healthcare resources is growing. It is
more and more often acknowledged that the methodologies applied in
the health technology assessment processes do not allow for studying all
the consequences of the implementation of the new technology into the
clinical practice. The difficulties in reaching the consensus among conflicting
principles lead to the growing interests in multi-criteria decision-making
(MCDA). It is successfully used in different fields of industry. Although
it has not been fully implemented in any healthcare system yet, there are
many developed countries interested in its adaptation to decision-making
processes. The key feature of MCDA, that is the role of public opinion in
the selection of reimbursement principles, draws particular attention. The
article covers the theory regarding both MCDA and aggregation of individual
preferences. The relevant experiences from published research findings are
presented as well.