Clinical Decision Making

Clinical Decision Analysis

Examining diagnostic possibilities

The Division of Clinical Decision Making at Tufts Medical Center uses its expertise to pursue clinical research questions examining the thorough and efficient evaluation of diagnostic possibilities, the value or information content of the medical history, physical examination and diagnostic tests, determine the optimal diagnostic test or test sequence, and assess the usefulness of new medical tests.

Examining treatment possibilities

The Division also uses its expertise to pursue clinical research questions determining the optimal therapy and the evaluation of new medical technologies such as devices or drugs.

Techniques used

The Division uses the following techniques for decision analysis in medical decision making:

  • Decision tree construction
  • Markov model development
  • Monte Carlo simulation
  • Bayesian interpretation of diagnostic tests
  • The measurement of patient preferences
  • Cost-effectiveness analysis
  • Literature review
  • Meta-analysis
  • Discrete event simulation

Research focus

Our current projects include:

  • Treatment of viral hepatitis
  • Osteoporosis treatment
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Anticoagulation for a trial fibrillation or prosthetic heart valves
  • Screening for cancer
  • Therapy for rheumatoid arthritis
  • HIV treatment
  • Immunization policy
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Prenatal genetic testing
  • Antifungal treatments

John B. Wong, MD
Brian J. Cohen, MD
Jerome P. Kassirer, MD

Tufts Medical Center
800 Washington St., #302
Boston, MA 02111

Call: 617-636-5934
Fax: 617-636-4838