Cynefin Framework for Evidence-Informed Clinical Reasoning and Decision-Making

J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2019 May 1;119(5):312-321. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2019.053.

Abstract

Osteopathy (manipulative care provided by foreign-trained osteopaths) emphasizes manual techniques as the cornerstone of patient care. Although osteopathic medicine has been well integrated into traditional health care systems in the United States, little is known about the role of osteopathy in traditional health care systems outside the United States. Therefore, it is incumbent on the osteopathy community to gather evidence in order to practice scientifically informed effective methods. This narrative review outlines the Cynefin framework for clinical reasoning and decision-making and encourages a broadening of the evidence base among osteopaths to promote health in an interdisciplinary care setting. This review also presents the concept of an osteopath's mindline, in which the osteopath combines information from a range of sources into internalized and collectively reinforced tacit guidelines.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Decision-Making*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine*
  • Humans
  • Osteopathic Medicine / standards*
  • Osteopathic Physicians / standards*