Newton-Raphson Method
A numerical technique finding a function's roots by iteratively improving an initial guess using the function's value and derivative at each step.
Encyclopaedia
Explore comprehensive, evidence-informed explanations of key health economics concepts, including their development, application and relationships to other concepts. Published entries are validated through human expert review.
Non-Mixture Cure Model
An alternative cure model structure formulating survival directly in terms of the cured fraction without explicitly splitting the population into two subgroups.
Non-Parametric Estimation
A statistical approach to estimating a survival function without assuming the data follow any specific mathematical distribution.
Non-Parametric Survival
Survival data or estimates obtained without assuming a specific distribution, such as a Kaplan-Meier curve calculated directly from observed trial data.
Normal Distribution
A continuous, symmetric, bell-shaped probability distribution fully described by its mean and variance, widely used to represent uncertainty in statistical applications.
Numerical Integration
Techniques for approximating the value of a definite integral when an exact analytical solution is unavailable or impractical to derive.
Numerical Method
A computational technique for obtaining an approximate solution to a mathematical problem when an exact analytical solution is unavailable or impractical.
Numerical Optimisation
Computational techniques for finding the input values that minimise or maximise an objective function when no analytical solution is available.
One-Way Sensitivity
A sensitivity analysis in which a single input parameter is varied across a range while all others are held at their base case values.
One-Way Sensitivity Analysis
An analysis varying a single input parameter across its plausible range, one at a time, to assess its individual effect on cost-effectiveness results.
Opportunity Loss
The difference in value between the outcome of the optimal decision and the outcome of the decision actually made under uncertainty.
Optimal Sample Size
The sample size for a proposed study that maximises the expected net benefit of sampling, balancing information value against rising cost.
Parameter Distribution
The specific probability distribution, such as a beta, gamma, or normal distribution, assigned to represent uncertainty in a given input parameter.
Parameter Estimation
The statistical process of using observed data to determine the most likely values for a model's unknown parameters.
Parameter Uncertainty
Uncertainty arising from imperfect knowledge of the true value of an input parameter, such as a transition probability or unit cost.
Parametric Estimation
A statistical approach estimating a survival function by assuming the data follow a specific distribution, such as Weibull or log-normal, with estimated parameters.
Parametric Survival
Survival estimates derived from a fitted mathematical distribution rather than directly from observed data alone, allowing extrapolation beyond the data.
Parametric Survival Model
A statistical model assuming time-to-event data follow a specific distribution, such as Weibull or log-normal, allowing extrapolation beyond observed data.
Particle Filter
A Monte Carlo technique estimating a dynamic system's state over time using weighted sample points, called particles, updated as new data arrive.
Particle Swarm Optimisation
A population-based optimisation technique inspired by flocking behaviour, in which candidate solutions adjust position based on their own and the group's best results.