Using judgement to improve accuracy in decision-making

Nursing judgements are complex, often involving the need to process a large number of information cues. Key issues include how accurate they are and how we can improve levels of accuracy. Traditional approaches to the study of nursing judgement, characterised by qualitative and descriptive research, have provided valuable insights into the nature of expert nursing practice and the complexity of practice. However, they have largely failed to provide the data needed to address judgement accuracy. Social judgement analysis approaches are one way of overcoming these limitations. This paper argues that as nurses take on more roles requiring accurate judgement, it is time to increase our knowledge of judgement and ways to improve it.