you are asked to critically analyse a published economic evaluation
by Carlson et al, 2024
In conducting the critical appraisal, you are expected to go beyond summarising the paper. Your
appraisal should examine the research to identify its strengths and weaknesses to judge its
trustworthiness, quality and relevance in its context.
In a report of no more than 3,000 words (for 100% of marks), consider the questions provided below
in relation to the provided article.
Report structure:
Introduction briefly summarize the paper and state the objective of the report
Body of the report providing detailed answers to each of the questions below.
1. Is there evidence that the intervention’s effectiveness has been established? (Consider: Was the
effectiveness study a randomised-controlled trial, systematic review or other approach? How valid
was the study design used?) [5 marks]
2. What are the key data sources (e.g utilities, costs and probabilities) used and are they
appropriate? Consider the quality of the data sources (Patients, experts or the general public and
from what setting etc). Does the source or type of data impact the strength of findings and/or
introduce a bias? [20 marks]
3. Are comparators and outcomes well described? Do the authors explain their modelling choices,
and could a different/ more complex model or type of modelling have been used? [15 marks]
4. Around which variables is there most uncertainty and what does the sensitivity analysis say about
the overall uncertainty surrounding the results? What are the implications of this uncertainty for
study conclusions? [15 marks]
5. How is discounting used (if used)? How would changes in the discount rate impact results if there
is no sensitivity analysis around discount rates? [5 marks]
6. . Based on this study would you recommend Oral Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir be introduced as national
guidance? If yes, for which population groups? Justify your recommendation. Or what additional
information would you want to have apart from this study to make a policy recommendation? [20
marks]
7. What are the specific directions for future research coming out of this study? (any mentioned by
the authors, but also gaps you see) [10 marks]
8. What is the external validity of this study and what factors might be considered by other countries
looking to interpret and use these results? [10 marks]
Conclusion briefly summarize the main conclusions of the appraisal exercise and state your
assessment of the study.