| decision analysis | A derivative of operations research and game theory that involves identifying all available choices and the potential outcomes of each, in a series of decisions that have to be made about patient care-diagnostic procedures, therapeutic regimens, prognostic expectations; the range of choices can be plotted on a decision tree. (05 Mar 2000) |
|---|
| record of decision | (ROD) The decision document for an environmental impact statement (EIS). Separate from the EIS itself, this document states the decision, states the reasons for the decision, identifies all alternatives, and states compliance with applicable laws. (05 Dec 1998) |
|---|---|
| decision | 1. Cutting off; division; detachment of a part. 2. The act of deciding; act of settling or terminating, as a controversy, by giving judgment on the matter at issue; determination, as of a question or doubt; settlement; conclusion. "The decision of some dispute." (Atterbury) 3. An account or report of a conclusion, especially of a legal adjudication or judicial determination of a question or cause; as, a decision of arbitrators; a decision of the Supreme Court. 4. The quality of being decided; prompt and fixed determination; unwavering firmness; as, to manifest great decision. Synonym: Decision, Determination, Resolution. Each of these words has two meanings, one implying the act of deciding, determining, or resolving; and the other a habit of mind as to doing. It is in the last sense that the words are here compared. Decision is a cutting short. It implies that several courses of action have been presented to the mind, and that the choice is now finally made. It supposes, therefore, a union of promptitude and energy. Determination is the natural consequence of decision. It is the settling of a thing with a fixed purpose to adhere. Resolution is the necessary result in a mind which is characterised by firmness. It is a spirit which scatters (resolves) all doubt, and is ready to face danger or suffering in carrying out one's determinations. Martin Luther was equally distinguished for his prompt decision, his steadfast determination, and his inflexible resolution. Origin: L. Decisio, fr. Decidere, decisum: cf. F. Decision. See Decide. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| decision making | The process of making a selective intellectual judgment when presented with several complex alternatives consisting of several variables, and usually defining a course of action or an idea. (12 Dec 1998) |
| decision making, computer-assisted | Use of an interactive computer system designed to assist the physician or other health professional in choosing between certain relationships or variables for the purpose of making a diagnostic or therapeutic decision. (12 Dec 1998) |
| decision making, organizational | The process by which decisions are made in an institution or other organization. (12 Dec 1998) |
| decision notice | The written record of a federal agency decision after an environmental assessment. The decision notice chooses one of the alternatives, or a blend of the alternatives. A decision notice is subject to appeal. (05 Dec 1998) |
| decision support systems, clinical | Computer-based information systems used to integrate clinical and patient information and provide support for decision-making in patient care. (12 Dec 1998) |
| decision support systems, management | Computer-based systems that enable management to interrogate the computer on an ad hoc basis for various kinds of information in the organization, which predict the effect of potential decisions. (12 Dec 1998) |
| decision support techniques | Mathematical or statistical procedures used as aids in making a decision. They are frequently used in medical decision-making. (12 Dec 1998) |
| decision theory | A theoretical technique utilizing a group of related constructs to describe or prescribe how individuals or groups of people choose a course of action when faced with several alternatives and a variable amount of knowledge about the determinants of the outcomes of those alternatives. (12 Dec 1998) |
| decision tree | Alternative choices available at each stage of deciding how to manage a clinical problem, displayed graphically; at each branch or decision node, the probabilities of each outcome that can be predicted are shown; the relative worth of each outcome is described in terms of its utility or quality of life, e.g., as measured by probability of life expectancy or freedom from disability. (05 Mar 2000) |
| decision trees | A graphic device used in decision analysis, series of decision options are represented as branches (hierarchical). (12 Dec 1998) |
| accumulation analysis | A technique in which an intermediate of a metabolic pathway accumulates due to selective inhibition of a particular step in that pathway or in a mutant that is deficient in a certain step. The intermediate is then isolated, analyzed, and identified. (05 Mar 2000) |
| activation analysis | <radiobiology> Method for identifying and measuring chemical elements in a sample of material. Sample is first made radioactive by bombardment with neutrons, charged particles, or gamma rays. Newly formed radioactive atoms in the sample then give off characteristic radiations (such as gamma rays) that tell what kinds of atoms are present, and how many. (09 Oct 1997) |
| actuarial analysis | The application of probability and statistical methods to calculate the risk of occurrence of any event, such as onset of illness, recurrent disease, hospitalization, disability, or death. It may include calculation of the anticipated money costs of such events and of the premiums necessary to provide for payment of such costs. (12 Dec 1998) |