“ Decision analysis is a systematic, explicit, quantitative way of making decisions in healthcare that can . . . lead to both enhanced communication about clinical controversies and better decisions. (Hunink et al 2001 p 3)”
Decision analysis is not a suitable tool to be used for all decision situations. It is, however, a technique particularly suited to complex decision situations: those choices in which the ‘best’ option is not readily available. Complexity can be due to different options carrying different risks or benefits, or because how a patient views different outcomes is particularly important.