CCHE Seminar Series: Considering Risk Aversion in Economic Evaluation: A Rank Dependent Approach

Considering Risk Aversion in Economic Evaluation: A Rank Dependent Approach

Jacob Smith
University of Toronto

Friday March 17, 2023, 10am-12pm, HSB 108 and Zoom

Abstract: This paper presents a method for incorporating risk aversion into existing decision tree models used in economic evaluations. The method involves applying a probability weighting function based on rank dependent utility theory to reduced lotteries in the decision tree model. This adaptation embodies the fact that different decision makers can observe the same decision tree model structure but come to different conclusions about the optimal treatment. The proposed solution to this problem is to compensate risk-averse decision makers to use the efficient technology that they are reluctant to adopt.

Jacob Smith is a Second Year PhD student at the Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation at the University of Toronto. He holds a master’s degree in economics from York University. His research interests lie in the applications of decision theory and behavioral economics to economic evaluation.