Mastracci TM, Thoma A, Farrokhyar F et al. Users’ guide to the surgical literature: how to use a decision analysis. Can J Surg. 2007;50(5):403-9. PMID:18031644.
Abstract
A decision analysis is a quantitative method used to assess the relative value of different options to deal with a clinical choice under conditions of uncertainty. This uncertainty may be a clinical scenario that differs from the specific conditions of clinical trials or conflicting results from multiple trials. It has been defined as,
a method of describing complex clinical problems in an explicit fashion, identifying the available courses of action, assessing the probability and value of all possible outcomes, and then making a simple calculation to select the optimal course of action.
The goal of a decision analysis is to identify the most effective therapeutic or diagnostic approach. It is most valuable in areas where randomized controlled trials are lacking, or where consensus for definitive management has not been reached.
Last Updated on October 2, 2026
🔗 Knowledge Graph & Clinical Correlates
OrthopaedicsOne Living Semantic Network🛠️ Operative Techniques
- Woodward repair of Sprengel Deformity Hip and Knee
🩺 Clinical Conditions & Indications
- Why have a practice website Original Clinical Contribution: Authored for the OrthopaedicsOne General Orthopaedics Specialty Section. Preserved, digitized, and updated to modern evidence-based...
- Who should undergo biopsy of a bone lesion Patient selection for a biopsy is important: It is intended to confirm the radiologic diagnosis in patients with...
- Who should do the biopsy of a bone lesion Clinical studies undertaken by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society have documented a high incidence of problems suffered by patients...
- Which EMR should I choose Original Clinical Contribution: Authored for the OrthopaedicsOne General Orthopaedics Specialty Section. Preserved, digitized, and updated to modern evidence-based...
🔬 Anatomy, Pathology & Diagnostics
- Wrist joint Wrist and Carpus
- Why I Would Not Consider Navigating My THA Hip Joint & Proximal Femur
- Why I Would Consider Navigating My THA Hip Joint & Proximal Femur
- Why I Use Metal on Metal Hip Joint & Proximal Femur