|
|
|
|
|
Support
:: Logoff
:: FAQ

Tech Tips

This page includes a few technical tips to help you better use TreeAge Software products. It is not meant as a substitute for the full documentation included in the TreeAge Pro Manual.

For information on using TreeAge Pro and TreeAge Pro Interactive objects within scripting languages, please refer to our Object Documentation.

Tech tips on this page:

Sensitivity Analysis on Tables

Sensitivity analysis works with variables in TreeAge Pro, not tables. If the probabilities or other values in a TreeAge Pro table are uncertain, however, relatively minor adjustments can be made to allow for sensitivity analysis. The most simplistic approach, is to find every reference to the table (e.g., "tProb") and multiply by a variable (e.g., "mult_tProb") having a default definition = 1. Sensitivity analysis can be performed on the multiplier over a percentage range (e.g., from 50% to 150%). This implementation may not be flexible enough for most tables.

Varying the value column
A better approach to sensitivity analysis on tables is to add additional columns of values to the table, describing the range of parameter values for each index/row. The sensitivity analysis is then performed on a variable used to select a value column (and even interpolate between columns). Note the syntax used to reference tables with multiple value columns: myTable[ row ; col ].

How it works
In addition to two standard columns for indexes (e.g., time or age) and basecase values, two more columns are added for low and high parameter values, respectively. The "column" variable has a default definition = 1, referencing the first value column during basecase analysis. During sensitivity analysis, the "column" variable is varied from 2 to 3, over 1 interval. This results in two recalculations, using the low column and then the high column. If more intervals are desired, the table can be set to interpolate between missing rows and columns (or more columns added). Setting intervals = 2 would also analyze values halfway between the low and high columns (i.e., column = 2.5). Additional columns could also be used.

A simple example is shown in the figure below:

Displaying Path Probabilities

Q: How can I display "path probability" times "payoff" (i.e., contribution to expected value) at endnodes?

A. There are two sets of changes in preferences:

1) Calculation Method:
* check "Calculate extra payoffs"
* set "Enable payoffs..." to 1 if you have only filled in 1 payoff set

2) Terminal Nodes/Columns:
* Show terminal columns
* Add a "Custom" calculation column, with the calculation:
    StateProb() * Node(1)

This will display, during roll back, the product of the payoff and the path probability at each visible endnode. These columns can be copied to Excel by choosing Edit > Copy Special...

Calculating EVPI in TreeAge

Q: What is EVPI? How EVPI is calculated in a Monte Carlo simulation?

Using a Monte Carlo probabilistic sensitivity analysis performed at a decision node, TreeAge Pro can calculate the expected value of perfect information (EVPI) or partial EVPI. This can be used to determine the theoretical maximum value of potentially costly efforts to remove particular uncertainties.

Check out a mini tutorial and details of Cost-Effectiveness Uncertainty and Value of Information.