[Decision analysis and initiation of an "empiric" therapy].
For more than 25 years, quantitative approaches were applied to evaluate the outcome of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Decision analysis is but one quantitative approach that guides therapeutic decisions. It allows careful analysis of the therapeutic outcome taking into consideration the effects of medical treatment, quality of life and economic costs. The goal of this kind of approach is to choose the management with the greatest benefit for the patient through systematic and logic reduction of the diagnostic uncertainty. It uses a model represented by a decision tree that helps the clinician tot quantify the outcomes. Followed by sensitivity analysis, it may provide a robust basis for the final decision.
Van Meerhaeghe
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Service de Pneumologie, C.H.U. André Vésale, Montigny-le-Tilleul.
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D011788:Quality of Life; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016896:Treatment Outcome