title: Predictive risk algorithms in a population setting: an overview.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The widespread use of risk algorithms in clinical medicine is testimony to how they have helped transform clinical decision-making. Risk algorithms have a similar but underdeveloped potential to support decision-making for population health.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe the role of predictive risk algorithms in a population setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  First, predictive risk algorithms and how clinicians use them are described. Second, the population uses of risk algorithms are described, highlighting the strengths of risk algorithms for health planning. Lastly, the way in which predictive risk algorithms are developed is discussed briefly and a guide for algorithm assessment in population health presented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  For the past 20 years, absolute and baseline risk has been a cornerstone of population health planning. The most accurate and discriminating method to generate such estimates is the use of multivariable risk algorithms. Routinely collected data can be used to develop algorithms with characteristics that are well suited to health planning and such data are increasingly available. The widespread use of risk algorithms in clinical medicine is testimony to how they have helped transform clinical decision-making. Risk algorithms have a similar but underdeveloped potential to support decision-making for population health.
authors.affiliation: Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. dmanuel@ohri.ca
authors.forename: Douglas G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Manuel
authors.forename: Laura C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Rosella
authors.forename: Deirdre
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hennessy
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sanmartin
authors.forename: Kumanan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003657:Decision Making; D006285:Health Planning; D006801:Humans; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors