Multiple Imputation
A missing data technique generating several plausible complete datasets with different estimated replacement values, then combining separate analyses of each.
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.
Multivariate Meta-Analysis
A meta-analysis method jointly analysing two or more related outcomes simultaneously, accounting for the correlation between them.
Multivariate Sampling
The simultaneous drawing of random values for multiple correlated input parameters from their joint probability distribution, rather than sampling each independently.
N-of-1 Trial
A trial conducted within a single participant, repeatedly alternating experimental treatment and control in random, blinded sequence to determine its individual effect.
Nash Equilibrium Health
A game theory solution in which no player can improve their outcome by unilaterally changing strategy, given the strategies chosen by others.
Near Miss Rate
A measure of how frequently potential errors are identified and prevented before reaching a patient, an indicator of safety culture.
Negative Binomial
A discrete probability distribution modelling count data with more variability than a Poisson distribution would predict, known as overdispersion.
Negative Binomial Regression
A modelling technique analysing count outcome data, such as hospitalisations, that shows overdispersion relative to what a Poisson model would assume.
Negative Externality
A cost imposed on a third party by an economic activity, not reflected in its market price, leading to overproduction relative to the social optimum.
Negative Likelihood Ratio
A diagnostic test measure expressing how much a negative result changes the odds a patient does not have the condition tested for.
Negative Predictive Value
The probability that an individual with a negative diagnostic test result truly does not have the condition being tested for.
Nelder-Mead Method
A numerical optimisation algorithm searching for a function's minimum using a moving shape, called a simplex, without needing the function's derivative.
Nelson-Aalen Estimator
A non-parametric method for estimating the cumulative hazard function from censored data, closely related to the Kaplan-Meier estimator.
Net Benefit
A summary measure, in evaluating prediction models, combining the benefit of correctly identifying an outcome against the harm of unnecessary treatment, at a given threshold.
Net Benefit Approach
A framework for economic evaluation that converts health outcomes into money at a set value per unit of effect, then subtracts cost.
Net Budget Impact
The overall change in spending from adopting a new technology, after accounting for offsetting savings elsewhere, such as avoided hospital admissions.
Net Health Benefit
A summary measure expressing an intervention's value in health units, converting incremental cost into health forgone and subtracting it from health gained.
Net Margin
A financial ratio calculated as net income divided by total revenue, showing the proportion of revenue remaining as profit.
Net Monetary Benefit
A summary measure expressing an intervention's value in money, converting its incremental health effect into cash at a set threshold and subtracting incremental cost.
Net Present Value
The sum of a stream of future cash flows, each discounted to its present-day value, minus the initial cost of the investment.