Abstract
In this paper we present a review of stochastic trees, a convenient modeling approach for medical treatment decision analyses. Stochastic trees are a generalization of decision trees that incorporate useful features from continuous-time Markov chains. We also discuss StoTree, a freely available software tool for the formulation and solution of stochastic trees, implemented in the Excel spreadsheet environment.
Similar content being viewed by others
REFERENCES
Hazen, G. B., Stochastic trees: A new technique for temporal medical decision modeling. Med. Decis. Making 12:163-178, 1992.
Hazen, G. B., Factored stochastic trees: A tool for solving complex temporal medical decision models. Med. Decis. Making 13:227-236, 1993.
Beck, J. R., and Pauker, S. G., The Markov process in medical prognosis. Med. Decis. Making 3:419-458, 1983.
Sonnenberg, F. A., and Beck, J. R., Markov models in medical decision making: A practical guide. Med. Decis. Making 13:322-338, 1993.
Beck, J. R., Kassirer, J. P., and Pauker, S. G., A convenient approximation of life expectancy (the “DEALE”). I: Validation of the method. Am. J. Med. 73:883-888, 1982.
Hollenberg, J. P., Markov cycle trees:Anew representation for complex Markov processes (Abstract). Med. Decis. Making 4:529, 1984.
Matchar, D. B., and Pauker, S. G., Transient ischemic attacks in a man with coronary artery disease: Two strategies neck and neck. Med. Decis. Making 6:239-249, 1986.
Hazen, G. B., Morrow, M., and Venta, E. R., Patient Values in the Treatment of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ. In Society for Medical Decision Making Annual Meeting, Reno, NV, October 1999.
Silverstein, M. J., Cohen, B. F., Gierson, E.D., Furmanski, M., Gamagami, P., Colburn, W. J., Lewinsky, B. S., and Waisman, J. R., Duct carcinoma in situ: 227 cases without microinvasion. Eur. J. Cancer 28: 630-634, 1992.
Hiramatsu, H., Bornstein, B. A., Recht, A., Schnitt, S. J., Baum, J. K., Connolly, J. L., Duda, R. B., Guidi, A. J., Kaelin, C. M., Silver, B., and Harris, J. R., Local recurrence after conservative surgery and radiation therapy for ductal carcinoma in situ. Cancer J. Sci. Am. 1:55-61, 1995.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hazen, G.B. Stochastic Trees and the StoTree Modeling Environment: Models and Software for Medical Decision Analysis. Journal of Medical Systems 26, 399–413 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016401115823
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016401115823