The Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation conducted a study to determine the benefit of follow-up care for patients discharged from a hospital after treatment for a heart attack (The Wall Street Journal, November 11, 2002). Out of 2060 patients, 1070 did not return for follow-up treatment and 990 did. Within 24 months, 14 of the patients receiving follow-up treatment died, and 29 of the patients not receiving follow-up treatment died. Within 54 months, 20 of the patients receiving follow-up treatment died, and 49 of the patients not receiving follow-up treatment died.
a. What is the probability of a patient dying within 24 months of being discharged after treatment for a heart attack?
b. Using the data for 24 months after discharge, compute the conditional probabilities of dying for patients receiving and not receiving follow-up treatment.
c. Is the probability of dying within 24 months of discharge independent of whether the person receives follow-up treatment? Explain.
d. Using the data for 54 months after discharge, compute the conditional probabilities of dying for patients receiving and not receiving follow-up treatment.
e. Would you recommend enrolling in a follow-up treatment program to a friend?