About Star

Star is an innovative approach to support commissioners and other healthcare stakeholders to make resource allocation decisions. The components of the Star approach are an Excel-based technical tool, which is used in a stakeholder workshop process led by a trained facilitator. The Star approach combines technical value for money analysis with extensive stakeholder engagement and discussion.

While Star is primarily designed for healthcare commissioners, it is suitable for anyone charged with making decisions about resource allocation as they plan services.

Value triangles

The Excel-based Star tool enables users to compare the relative value for money of healthcare interventions through simple 'value triangles' graphics. These show the ratio of costs to benefit, taking account of individual patient benefit and population health gain. The use of simple 'value triangles' enables all stakeholders to take part in structured discussions about resource allocation.