A3.10 The second stage is to decide on the weights to be attached to each of the criteria identified. This should reflect the group consensus about the relative importance of the criteria, which is a matter for judgement, based on, for instance, relevant policy statements. The most common approach, and the one which is most readily comprehended, is to express the weights in percentage terms so that they sum to 100.
A3.11 Justification for the weights ascribed should be recorded. Such an explicit approach helps to ensure that the basis of the weights is fully understood and accepted by all those participating in the exercise as well as those using its results.
Example: The group appraising our hypothetical health services project has decided that the following weights are appropriate:
■ number of cases treated 40%
■ waiting time 30%
■ patient access 20%
■ disruption to services 10%