The need for evolution in healthcare decision modeling.
BACKGROUND
Many healthcare decisions are difficult because they are complex and have important consequences such as the impact on survival or quality-of-life of individuals and on allocation of limited resources. The present state-of-the-art in healthcare decision modeling is often inadequate to properly assess these decisions.


METHODS
Based on a literature search and the experience of the authors, typical methodologies used in healthcare decision analysis modeling are explored and compared with methods used in other practices. An example of hormonal therapy decisions is used.


RESULTS
Useful methods that have been developed in other fields are presented. These include methods targeted toward appropriate assessment and representation of the complexity of decisions, assessment of uncertainty, use of nonexpected value decision analysis, and use of multi-attribute decision criteria.


CONCLUSIONS
The state-of-the-art in healthcare decision modeling can be improved through learning from other practices.
Lee
Robert C
RC
Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. rclee@ucalgary.ca
Donaldson
Cam
C
Cook
Linda S
LS
D003657:Decision Making; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D035501:Uncertainty; D016387:Women's Health