Model-based evaluation &
cost-effectiveness analysis of MRSA
This project is headed by Dr Ben Cooper, Clinical Scientist, Health
Protection Agency. The primary aim of this research is to predict
the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of defined MRSA infection
control strategies and identify the optimal investment for efficient
MRSA infection control in different circumstances. A series of
models will be developed that capture the impact of a range of
screening programmes on MRSA transmission in an ICU and a general
medicine ward setting. Screening will be evaluated alone and in
conjunction with other interventions: patient isolation and
decolonisation strategies, and hand hygiene education programmes.
The modelling approach requires completion of the following tasks:
- Describing the dynamics of MRSA transmission
- Estimating the economic and health outcomes of MRSA infection
- Specifying relevant risk reducing interventions
- Accurately assessing the impact of interventions on costs and
health outcomes
- Identifying optimal intervention strategies
- Characterising uncertainty and assessing the robustness and
generalisability of conclusions
- Developing flexible and realistic modelling tools that can be
extended to consider alternate interventions/settings and
incorporate future research findings
Modelling will require the synthesis of existing randomised
controlled trial and observational data, surveillance data from
routine datasets and other economic, epidemiologic and clinical
information from a wide range of sources. Resulting models will
predict the incremental cost-effectiveness of intervention
strategies and identify the optimal level of investment.
This project commenced in October 2006 and is due to complete in
October 2008
