Moving statistics beyond the individual clinical trial: applying decision science to optimize a clinical development plan

This paper describes how simple decision science techniques can be used to optimize the clinical development plan for a given compound. Using a case study from the stroke therapeutic area it is shown how methods such as decision trees can be utilized to describe, and adjudicate on, individual development plans. Terminology pertinent to decision sciences is described and areas where it is recommended statisticians should focus are highlighted. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley T Sons, Ltd.