title: Clinical reasoning and decision analysis.
abstract: Decision analysis enables outstanding information needs to be correctly identified and ensures that all the options are accurately represented so that appropriate decisions can be made. The aim of this article is to provide an introduction to the use of decision analysis in the practice of evidence-based veterinary medicine. Decision trees using utilities and economic outcomes are presented. The diagnostic process, including the critical appraisal of clinical decision support systems that may be used in this process, is described.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 OES, UK. expertvets@ntlworld.com
authors.forename: Peter D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Cockcroft
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003657:Decision Making; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D003663:Decision Trees; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000592:standards*