The purpose of this paper was written for understanding of decision making theory and the mathematical approach for the decision making of treatment alternatives to the treatment of chronic periodontitis. For description of decision making theory and application, one clinical example of subcranial aneurysm was utilized and analyzed.
Clinical decision regarding the selection of appropriate treatment among treatment alternatives is a multi-factorial process involving the assimilation of information from clinical experiences, relevant research, and patient preferences for anticipated outcome. The benefits of the treatment are greatly influenced by medical resources as well as biological, socioeconomical cost. Little information concerning the factors influencing the decision is available; that which is not objective or quantitative can not be used in decision making by clinician. Economics, individual compliance, and treatment needs should be properly identified for each individual. In order to select the treatment which is most beneficial for the patient, a rational, systematic approach to decision making is needed. Thus the theory of decision making can be applied for the clinical decision making process leading to the selection of the most reasonable and acceptable treatment option for clinician and patients themselves.
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