How can we make a best guess with incomplete information?

I have spent three days at the Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine. Whenever I come to this meeting, I have insights from listening to talks and many conversations with leaders in the field. When one considers diagnostic errors, one must consider two important factors: physician factors and system factors. We have a major system factor that can cause problems. Most hospitals in the U.S. require a diagnosis for admission. I believe this rule increases diagnostic errors. Currently, I am developing a talk based on the lessons we can learn from fictional detectives. One example that I will likely use came from a relatively minor TV show: the Glades. In one episode, the detective is walking around the crime scene making observations. Someone comes to him and asks what he thinks happened. He turns and tells the person that he is still collecting data and does not have enough to develop a hypothesis (or something like that). Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Physician Hospital-Based Medicine Primary Care Source Type: blogs