Closed-Form Solution of the Unit Normal Loss Integral in 2 Dimensions, with Application in Value-of-Information Analysis

Med Decis Making. 2023 Jul;43(5):621-626. doi: 10.1177/0272989X231171166. Epub 2023 Jun 2.

Abstract

The unit normal loss integral (UNLI) is widely used in decision analysis and risk modeling, including in the computation of various value-of-information metrics, but its closed-form solution is only applicable to comparisons of 2 strategies.We derive a closed-form solution for 2-dimensional UNLI, extending the applicability of the UNLI to 3-strategy comparisons.Such closed-form computation takes only a fraction of a second and is free from simulation errors that affect the hitherto available methods.In addition to the relevance in 3-strategy model-based and data-driven decision analyses, a particular application is in risk prediction modeling, where the net benefit of a classifier should always be compared with 2 default strategies of treating none and treating all.

Keywords: cost-effectiveness; decision analysis; risk prediction modeling; uncertainty; value of information.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Decision Making*
  • Humans

Grants and funding