Pharmacometrics: so much mathematics and why planes achieve their destinations with almost perfect results …

摘要: The mention of population analysis or pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PKPD) modelling often sends clinicians clinical pharmacologists running, not wanting to know about mathematics understanding complexity. Individualized dosing, optimal design studies mechanistic models physiological processes are all ‘too hard’ leading another refrain – ‘and how do we apply this our practice?’ However, prepared use complex technology equipment in the practice medicine that requires high level mathematical complexity, but fear similar methods investigate, explore understand drug therapy, effects disease progression. Should be using most modern quantify pharmacology? Mathematics underlies much function, specifically expect pilots airlines advanced computers, simulations analytic techniques make flying safe. We rely on global position system (GPS) devices assist us arriving at destinations; require computer smartphone operating systems provide fundamental conveniences coordinate schedules, phone calls information utilize Google™ search for any number topics. So why struggle with them effects?