README.Rmd

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# descem: Discrete Event Simulation for Cost-Effectiveness Modeling

## Introduction
`descem` is a user-friendly package that facilitates the use of discrete event simulations without resource constraints for cost-effectiveness analysis.
The package supports a flexible, practical approach to discrete event simulation while keeping an acceptable performance through the use of parallel computing.

The current version supports:

* Discrete event simulation models, Markov/semi-Markov models and hybrid models
* Seamlessly integrating data.frames and other objects into the model
* Delayed execution of the main inputs to facilitate readability of the model
* Debugging mode with a non-parallel engine to facilitate error detection
* Implementation of structural and parameter uncertainty
* Helper functions to facilitate drawing of time to events and the use of hazard ratios
* Performing cost-effectiveness and uncertainty analysis

It is recommended that the user checks the vignettes, first the simple Sick-Sicker-Dead model [Sick-Sicker-Dead model](https://roche.github.io/descem/articles/example_ssd.html) and then the more complex model for [early breast cancer](https://roche.github.io/descem/articles/example_eBC.html). The [markov](https://roche.github.io/descem/articles/example_markov.html) example shows how to run a cohort Markov model while using the same modeling framework. Similarly, a simulation based Markov model could be run. Structural and parametric uncertainty are explored in the [corresponding vignette](https://roche.github.io/descem/articles/example_uncertainty.html). The [IPD vignette](https://roche.github.io/descem/articles/example_ipd.html) shows how descem can be used when individual patient data is available.

## Documentation

Have a look at the [package home site](https://roche.github.io/descem/index.html) for more details on documentation and specific tutorials.

For more details on the code, check our [Github repository](https://github.com/Roche/descem).

## Installation

`descem` can the be installed directly from this repo via

``` r
# install.packages("devtools")
devtools::install_github("roche/descem", ref="main")
```

## Citation

If you use `descem`, please contact the authors for the most up to date appropiate citation.