A clinical decision analysis program for the Apple computer.

Abstract

A computer program written in BASIC and implemented on a 48K RAM Apple II computer was developed to assist physicians in using decision analysis to solve clinical problems. Clinicians familiar with decision analysis can easily enter, modify, store, and retrieve decision trees. Probabilities and utilities can be calculated and a sensitivity analysis can be performed and printed. An entire decision tree can be listed, and a graphic display of any node with its branches, branch probabilities, and node utilities can be viewed and printed. The program is easy to use and can be learned in a few hours. Its flexibility and power will facilitate the application of decision analysis to a wide variety of clinical problems.