Stochastic Trees
- 1 August 1992
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Medical Decision Making
- Vol. 12 (3) , 163-178
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0272989x9201200302
Abstract
This paper introduces stochastic trees, a new modeling approach for the class of medical decision problems in which risks of mortality and morbidity may extend over time. A stochastic tree may be regarded as a continuous-time version of a Markov-cycle tree, or alternately, as a multi-state DEALE model. Optimal decisions in stochastic trees can be determined by rollback, much in the same fashion as decision trees. The author discusses how age- dependent mortality rates and declining incidence rates may be modeled using stochastic trees. Concepts are illustrated using examples from the medical literature. It is argued that stochastic trees possess important advantages over Markov-cycle trees for medical decision modeling. Key words: stochastic trees; DEALE models; decision analysis; Markov cycle trees. (Med Decis Making 1992;12:163-178)Keywords
This publication has 20 references indexed in Scilit:
- Targeting Assessments of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in suspected Multiple sclerosisMedical Decision Making, 1990
- Aortic Aneurysm in a 74-year-old Man with Coronary Disease and 0bstructive Lung DiseaseMedical Decision Making, 1989
- Urinary Cytology ScreeningMedical Decision Making, 1988
- A Peripartum Neurologic Event: Shooting from the HipMedical Decision Making, 1988
- Double TroubleMedical Decision Making, 1987
- The Timing of Radical Cystectomy after Recent Myocardial InfarctionMedical Decision Making, 1987
- Transient Ischemic Attach in a Man with Coronary Artery DiseaseMedical Decision Making, 1986
- A Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Cyclosporine in Cadaveric Kidney TransplantationMedical Decision Making, 1986
- Eaton-Lambert Syndrome and Small Cell Lung CancerMedical Decision Making, 1986
- The Markov Process in Medical PrognosisMedical Decision Making, 1983