Applying multiattribute utility technology to the formulary evaluation process (PDF)

Seldom are the attributes of drugs under formulary consideration conveniently measured on the same scale, and if they are, they typically do not carry the same weight in a decision. Fortunately, application of Multiattribute Utility Technology (MAUT) provides a way to incorporate several valued attributes of disparate weights into a unitary measure for the purpose of evaluating options. This month's column presents the core elements of MAUT and explores its use in the drug evaluation process through a mock formulary committee example.