Hypermedia in medical decision analysis: HyperDecision.

Abstract Early in the evolution of medical decision analysis, computers were employed to remove the tedium and insure the accuracy of repetitive calculations, a capacity they still serve today. However, user interfaces could be so complex as to be overwhelming, except for the capable few who designed them or used them often. HyperDecision is a hypercard-based decision analysis program with a simple user interface. A comprehensive tutorial and generic decision tree are integrated so that the fledgling user, whether medical student or seasoned clinician lacking evolved computer and/or decision analysis skills, can reap the benefits of computer support in their clinical practice. In the current political environment surrounding the practice of medicine, having easily accessible tools for both teaching and using medical decision analysis to evaluate and present the rational for medical decisions has taken on a new importance which the medical community must remain abreast of as we move toward the 21st century.