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BCEA

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What BCEA is

BCEA is a free GPL-3 R package for Bayesian cost-effectiveness analysis in health economics. It uses simulations of costs and clinical benefits to compare a reference intervention with two or more comparators. The package accepts R data objects and simulation outputs from Bayesian workflows, including JAGS, BUGS, and Stan. Analysts can generate summary statistics and tables, cost-effectiveness planes, and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves. BCEA also produces probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicators for parameter and model uncertainty. Its Expected Value of Partial Perfect Information calculations include plots, while broader Expected Value of Information analysis can help prioritize research. BCEA supports scripting and runs as desktop software on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Installation is available through CRAN, r-universe, or GitHub using R package installation tools. Windows installation requires dependencies including Rtools. The project directs users to its issue tracker for support and problem reports.

Who it suits

It suits researchers and analysts performing Bayesian health economic evaluations or cost-effectiveness modelling. Users should be comfortable working with R and Bayesian simulation outputs.

What it does well

Free GPL-3 R package
Supports JAGS, BUGS, and Stan outputs
Produces cost-effectiveness plots
Includes EVPPI calculations and plots
Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows

What to know first

No statistical tests
No regression models
Windows installation requires Rtools
Requires R package installation tools

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
BCEA	R package · GPL-3 license	Free

As n8thangreen.github.io lists them, read 8 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Install R on a supported desktop operating system
Install BCEA from CRAN, r-universe, or GitHub using R package installation tools
On Windows, install required dependencies including Rtools
Import R data objects or Bayesian simulation outputs
Run the package through R scripting
Use the issue tracker for support or problem reports

Verdict

BCEA provides a focused R workflow for Bayesian economic evaluation, including uncertainty analysis and research-prioritization measures. It is designed for scripted analysis rather than general statistical testing or regression.

Questions

What does BCEA cost?

BCEA is free, with a plan listed as free.

Which operating systems are supported?

The desktop package supports Linux, macOS, and Windows.

What data can BCEA import?

It accepts R data objects and simulation outputs from Bayesian models, including JAGS, BUGS, and Stan workflows.

Is BCEA open source?

The CRAN package is licensed under GPL-3.

How is BCEA installed?

Installation is available through CRAN, r-universe, or GitHub using R package installation tools. Windows requires dependencies including Rtools.

Does BCEA include regression models or statistical tests?

The listed feature set says it provides neither statistical tests nor regression models.

Facts from BCEA's own pages

Bayesian analysis: Yes · n8thangreen.github.io, 23 Sept 2026
Comparisons: It compares a reference intervention with other interventions, called comparators. · n8thangreen.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Data import formats: R data objects and simulation outputs from Bayesian models (including JAGS/BUGS/Stan workflows) · n8thangreen.github.io, 23 Sept 2026
Deployment: desktop · n8thangreen.github.io, 23 Sept 2026
Free plan: Yes · n8thangreen.github.io, 23 Sept 2026
Installation: The maker describes installation through CRAN, r-universe, or GitHub using R package installation tools. · gianluca.statistica.it, 8 Oct 2026
Intended users: The package is designed for Bayesian health economic evaluation and cost-effectiveness modelling. · gianluca.statistica.it, 8 Oct 2026
License: The CRAN package page lists BCEA under the GPL-3 license. · cran.r-project.org, 8 Oct 2026
Plots: Its features include cost-effectiveness planes and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves. · n8thangreen.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Purpose: BCEA performs Bayesian cost-effectiveness analysis in R using simulations of costs and clinical benefits for two or more interventions. · n8thangreen.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Regression models: No · n8thangreen.github.io, 23 Sept 2026
Research prioritization: Its Expected Value of Information analysis can be used to prioritize research. · gianluca.statistica.it, 8 Oct 2026
Scripting support: Yes · n8thangreen.github.io, 23 Sept 2026
Sensitivity analysis: The package produces probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicators for parameter and model uncertainty. · gianluca.statistica.it, 8 Oct 2026
Statistical tests: No · n8thangreen.github.io, 23 Sept 2026
Summaries: It provides summary statistics and tables. · n8thangreen.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Support: The project asks users to report issues or seek support by filing a ticket in its issue tracker. · n8thangreen.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Value of information: It provides EVPPI calculations and plots. · n8thangreen.github.io, 8 Oct 2026
Windows requirement: The maker says Windows installation requires dependencies including Rtools. · gianluca.statistica.it, 8 Oct 2026

Where BCEA stands on Freedom251

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