Application of Multi-Attribute Utility Analysis as a Methodological Framework in Academic–Clinical Partnership Evaluation

A method called multi-attribute utility analysis (MAUA) provides a decision-making framework that facilitates comparative analysis of multiple real-world decision alternatives with unique complex attributes. Utility analysis as a measure of effectiveness has been minimally used by educational researchers to date, despite clear relevance in complex decision-making. To illustrate its viability, the application of MAUA was modeled for two example academic programs with diverse partnership priorities as a form of assessing academic–clinical partnership alignment. Simulated application indicates MAUA may be successfully utilized as an evidence-based methodological framework. The presented example is illustrative of the wide-spanning potential for this approach in different contexts, as predicted and recommended by experts in the field. Evaluators are encouraged to collaborate in new ways and strive to produce tangible, solution-oriented approaches to address key challenges and demonstrate the value of sound evaluation practices.