History information management strategy for minimising biases and noise for improved medical diagnosis

BMJ Open Qual. 2023 Aug;12(3):e002367. doi: 10.1136/bmjoq-2023-002367.

Abstract

Despite measures for physicians' excellence in diagnosis, the need for improvement of medical history techniques has been pointed out as one of the critical elements for improving diagnosis. Specific and proactive frameworks related to methods of effective history acquisition are needed to minimise bias and optimise decision-making. Therefore, this paper uses Linear Sequential Unmasking- Expanded to develop and propose a structured medical history acquisition strategy. The strength of this lies in its reliance on cognitive psychological processes. Breaking information gatherings and decisions into smaller tasks and ordering them correctly reduces cognitive load as well as minimises noise and bias cascade. Additionally, this approach can help physicians develop diagnostic expertise regardless of specialty.

Keywords: Checklists; Clinical Decision-Making; Decision analysis; Decision support, clinical; Diagnosis.

MeSH terms

  • Bias
  • Humans
  • Information Management*
  • Physicians*