Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Case-based clinical reasoning in feline medicine: 1: Intuitive and analytical systems.
- Journal:
- Journal of feline medicine and surgery
- Year:
- 2016
- Authors:
- Canfield, Paul J et al.
- Affiliation:
- Faculty of Veterinary Science · Australia
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
This article is the first in a series that looks at how veterinarians think and make decisions when diagnosing cats. It emphasizes the importance of trusting their gut feelings while also being careful to avoid mistakes caused by biases or faulty reasoning. The article compares two ways of thinking: one that is quick and instinctive, and another that is more thoughtful and analytical. The following articles in the series will focus on how to reduce errors in thinking and the use of mental shortcuts in making diagnoses. Overall, the goal is to improve the decision-making process in feline medicine.
Abstract
AIM: This is Article 1 of a three-part series on clinical reasoning that encourages practitioners to explore and understand how they think and make case-based decisions. It is hoped that, in the process, they will learn to trust their intuition but, at the same time, put in place safeguards to diminish the impact of bias and misguided logic on their diagnostic decision-making. SERIES OUTLINE: This first article discusses the relative merits and shortcomings of System 1 thinking (immediate and unconscious) and System 2 thinking (effortful and analytical). Articles 2 and 3, to appear in the March and May 2016 issues of JFMS, respectively, will examine managing cognitive error, and use of heuristics (mental short cuts) and illness scripts in diagnostic reasoning.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26733547/