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Results for “Utility Theory”

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At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1985

An integer linear programming model of staff retention and termination based on multiattribute utility theory.

An integer linear programming formulation was used to model several staffing alternatives available to the director of a recreation therapy department. The utility function of the decision maker was assessed using two attributes of effectiveness: performance and experience. Two utility approximations were obtained for each staff member based upon the average performance rating and number of years of experience both as a recreation therapist and at the facility. The utility obtained was viewed as a proxy for, and a comparative measure of, effectiveness, which considers the criteria of training and experience. The individuals who comprise the most effective combination of therapists, given staff reductions, were obtained by maximizing the sum of staff values. The first constraint set involved a budgetary constraint, coverage constraints, and an EEOC policy restriction. The coverage restriction and the budget were varied to reflect changes in the department resources. The model was validated with the department supervisor for the case of a one-position, 10% budget decrease.

Employment↗
PubMed2006

Priority setting in health care using multi-attribute utility theory and programme budgeting and marginal analysis (PBMA).

Programme budgeting and marginal analysis (PBMA) is becoming an increasingly popular tool in setting health service priorities. This paper presents a novel multi-attribute utility (MAU) approach to setting health service priorities using PBMA. This approach includes identifying the attributes of the MAU function; describing and scaling attributes; quantifying trade-offs between attributes; and combining single conditional utility functions into the MAU function. We illustrate the MAU approach using a PBMA case study in mental health services from the Community Health Sector in metropolitan South Australia.

Australia↗
PubMed1984

An application of multiattribute utility theory to the planning of emergency medical services.

This research considers the problem of relating Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to patient outcome. The hypothesis is that response time alone may be misleading as an EMS performance criterion. This research uses methods for approximating multiattribute utility functions to consider both response time and on-the-scene care. The final result is an optimization problem where the response time and desired personnel requirements are decision variables. These are important inputs in the planning for Emergency Medical Services.

Emergency Medical Services↗
PubMed1995

A holistic exploration of barriers to theory utilization.

The nursing profession must frequently grapple with the reluctance of nurses to adopt particular nursing theory/theoretical frameworks as a guide for practice. This paper explores some possible perceptions by nurses not previously considered in the literature which may be at the root of their reluctance to use theory. Newman's concept of pattern recognition was particularly useful in the identification of these heretofore unidentified perceptions.

Emotions↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Quality-adjusted life years, utility theory, and healthy-years equivalents.

Decisions about medical treatments and the settings of health programs are not purely technical, but also involve issues of value such as the evaluation of trade-offs between quality of life (morbidity) and quantity of life (mortality). The most commonly used measure of outcome in such cases is the quality-adjusted life year (QALY). The authors show that QALYs, being a health status index, do not stem directly from the individual's utility function and thus only partly reflect the individual's true preferences. This might lead to the choice of the nonpreferred alternative due to the misrepresentation of the individual's preferences. Two examples illustrate this claim. An alternative measure of outcome, the healthy-years equivalent (HYE), is described. This measure stems directly from the individual's utility function and thus fully reflects his/her preferences. It combines outcomes of both morbidity and mortality and thus can serve as common unit of measure for all programs, allowing comparisons across programs. Different ways of measuring the HYE are discussed.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗
PubMed2005

Physiological utility theory and the neuroeconomics of choice.

Over the past half century economists have responded to the challenges of Allais [Econometrica (1953) 53], Ellsberg [Quart. J. Econ. (1961) 643] and others raised to neoclassicism either by bounding the reach of economic theory or by turning to descriptive approaches. While both of these strategies have been enormously fruitful, neither has provided a clear programmatic approach that aspires to a complete understanding of human decision making as did neoclassicism. There is, however, growing evidence that economists and neurobiologists are now beginning to reveal the physical mechanisms by which the human neuroarchitecture accomplishes decision making. Although in their infancy, these studies suggest both a single unified framework for understanding human decision making and a methodology for constraining the scope and structure of economic theory. Indeed, there is already evidence that these studies place mathematical constraints on existing economic models. This article reviews some of those constraints and suggests the outline of a neuroeconomic theory of decision.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1986

Objectivism in information utilization: theory and measurement.

A self-report scale was constructed and validated that measures individual differences in objectivism--the tendency to base one's judgments and beliefs on empirical information and rational considerations. Validity data showed that, compared to people who score low on the Objectivism Scale, highly objective individuals enjoy thinking more, rely more on observable facts when making decisions, and place less emphasis on subjective and intuitive styles of decision making. Among graduate students in psychology, objectivism correlated positively with ratings of research-oriented careers, but negatively with ratings of mental health careers; also, highly objective students were more critical of nonobjective psychological assessment techniques and placed greater importance on research. Objectivism also predicted preferences for newspaper articles, college course selections, and the criteria respondents use when making decisions.

Journal Article↗