The Use of Efficiency Linear Programs for Sensitivity Analysis in Medical Decision Making

Abstract

Sensitivity analysis in most medical problems is a complex process involving repeated cal culations that can be computationally cumbersome, and its results are only approximate. The authors present a linear program-based approach that reveals the optimum strategies in a decision problem when event probabilities are not known exactly but their value ranges are available. Its application in a clinical decision-making situation is demonstrated. The approach promises to provide a flexible, precise, and computationally efficient technique for sensitivity analysis in medical decision making. Key words: efficiency linear programs; de cision making; sensitivity analysis. (Med Decis Making 1990;10:116-125)

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