Supporting the evidence-based treatment of individual drug users: The case for ‘patient profile decision analysis’

Practitioners treating problematic drug users face a significant challenge to (1) evaluate the evolving evidence base regarding treatment options, and (2) apply guidelines to individual patients with their unique combinations of characteristics, risks and histories. In this commentary we highlight patient profile decision analysis (PPDAS) as a rigorous and updateable means of assisting doctors deliver evidence-based care at a more patient focused level than current guidelines. PPDAS uses decision analytical modelling to calculate the evidence-based risks and benefits of different treatment options for multiple patient profiles. The output is presented in a user-friendly decision support system, enabling doctors and patients to quickly access the data to support their decision making. We outline the main features of PPDAS and review its potential for developing profile specific guidelines for the treatment of drug users.