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Decision analysis in dentistry--the last 30 years
1Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden. madeleine.rohlin@od.mah.se
Journal of Dentistry
|August 29, 2000
Summary
Decision analysis in dentistry has seen a decline in publications despite its value in evidence-based healthcare. Improving research quality and incorporating patient preferences are crucial for advancing this field.
Area of Science:
- Dental research
- Health economics
- Decision science
Background:
- Decision analysis is a valuable tool for evidence-based healthcare.
- A review of dental publications on decision analysis was conducted over 30 years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review publications in dentistry concerning decision analyses over the past 30 years.
- To assess the quality and identify weaknesses in dental decision analysis research.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of English literature (1969-1998).
- Comparison of dental articles with medical articles.
- Quality assessment of decision analyses using utilities and sensitivity analysis.
Main Results:
- 67 articles on decision analysis in dentistry were published.
- A decline in dental publications was observed in the last four years.
- Only 22 articles included utilities and sensitivity analysis.
Conclusions:
- Weaknesses include opaque assumptions, lack of patient preference data, and absence of sensitivity analyses.
- Decision analysis complements evidence-based healthcare by promoting rational use of knowledge.
- Improving research quality and incorporating decision analysis in education are recommended for dentistry.