Determining transition probabilities: confusion and suggestions.

Confusion regarding proper use of the terms rate and risk persists in the literature. This has implications for the proper modeling of prognosis and transition between health states in decision analysis and related techniques. The issue is complicated by the plethora of terms related to rate and risk. Although the suggestion to use the terms force and probability as substitutes for rate and risk has some appeal, the change in terminology by itself is unlikely to solve all the confusion or misuse of terms. This paper clarifies the proper definitions and estimations of rates and risks and suggests critical factors for the decision analyst to remember when using, modeling, or interpreting transition rates and risks.