Medical Decision Making

作者：Steven A. Newman · 发表于：Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology · 年份：2005 · DOI：10.1097/01.wno.0000165108.31731.36 · 被引用次数：103 · 研究领域：Pharmacology and Obesity Treatment、Meta-analysis and systematic reviews、Statistical Methods in Clinical Trials

Harold C. Sox, MD, Marshall A. Blatt, MD, Michael C. Higgins, PhD, and Keith I. Marton, MD. American College of Physicians, Philadelphia, 2007. ISBN: 1-930513-79-8, $39.95. Scope: This is a rapid-fire introduction to the use of Bayes’ theorem in understanding, assessing, and selecting tests to prove or disprove a diagnostic differential diagnosis and therapeutic options. The book is divided into 11 chapters, including the process of differential diagnosis, quantifying uncertainty, use of Bayes’ theorem in analyzing new information, and measuring the accuracy of clinical data. The authors then go on to talk about valued decision making and measuring the outcome of care. The last sections move on to decision-making when outcomes have several dimensions, selection and interpretation of diagnostic tests, bedside decision analysis, and cost-effective analysis. The authors also include an appendix on test characteristics and life tables. Each chapter is followed by questions based on the material within the chapter, requiring use of formulas and calculations. Strengths: The authors have a proselytizing approach to the importance of the cost-benefit ratio and analytic decision making. They point out easy ways of applying these basic principles to everyday diagnostic and therapeutic decision making. The authors obviously have had experience in teaching these basic concepts to physicians long unaccustomed to statistical formulation. Weaknesses: Some of the cartoons could be somewhat m...