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In medical decision making one must usually deal with a number of objectives, many of which conflict, under conditions of uncertainty. Multidimensional utility theory offers a methodology for dealing with such situations. This paper describes the analysis of a medical problem, the determination of optimal test and treatment strategies for streptococcal sore throat and rheumatic fever, in which the formulation and assessment of a multidimensional utility function were a central part. We determine optimal diagnostic and treatment strategies, comment on the usefulness of the procedure, and summarize some potential applications.
Giauque et al. (1976) studied this question.