Klinische besluitvorming

Translated title of the contribution: Clinical decision-making: from diagnosis to prognosis-oriented approach

O. R. Maarsingh, H. E. van der Horst, D. A.W.M. van der Windt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Traditionally, diagnosis is the basis for clinical decision-making and regarded as the guide to prognosis and treatment. Although some patients may particularly benefit such a diagnosis-oriented approach (e.g., patients with acute pathology for which effective treatment is available), this approach is not suitable or sufficient for others (e.g., patients without a diagnosis, patients with a diagnosis for which no treatment is available, and patients for whom the current treatment is insufficient). Furthermore, other factors than diagnosis or diagnosis-guided treatment are likely to influence an individual's outcome (prognosis), including biological, clinical, and social factors. The authors propose a prognosis-oriented approach as an alternative starting point for medical decision-making: not only ask yourself 'what is the explanation for my patient's complaint?', but also 'which factors contribute to the future outcome of this complaint?' and 'can I address these to benefit my patient's outcome?'.

Translated title of the contributionClinical decision-making: from diagnosis to prognosis-oriented approach
Original languageDutch
JournalNederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde
Volume165
Publication statusPublished - 24 Jun 2021

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