A Delphi study to establish national cost-effectiveness research priorities for positron emission tomography

Objective: This study aimed to determine the key cost-effectiveness researc h questions relating to positron emission tomography (PET) in the UK. Metho ds: A systematic literature review was conducted to establish the existing knowledge base relating to the cost-effectiveness of PET in the various con ditions for which it has been proposed. A three-round postal Delphi study o f relevant individuals was used to determine the key cost-effectiveness res earch questions relating to PET in the UK. The content and structure of the Delphi study was informed by the results of the literature review. Results : The most important cost-effectiveness research priorities for the Nationa l Health Service (NHS) relating to PET were in the clinical areas of lung c ancer, breast cancer and the assessment of myocardial viability. Gamma came ra PET using coincidence imaging was highlighted as a modality whose clinic al role needed to be determined urgently. Conclusion: Underlying the cost-e ffectiveness research priorities which were established is the need for evi dence that the use of the various PET modalities as a diagnostic technique will alter patient management as compared to existing diagnostic strategies . The findings of the project provide a contemporary overview of the potent ial role for PET in the NHS and will be relevant to other countries. (C) 19 99 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.