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Analysis of the decision-making process leading to appendectomy: a grounded theory study
Gerry Larsson1, Henrik Weibull, Bodil Wilde Larsson
1Department of Leadership and Management, Swedish National Defence College, Karolinen, SE-651 80 Karlstad, Sweden. gerry.larsson@fhs.mil.se
Scandinavian Journal of Psychology
|November 13, 2004
Summary
This study reveals that surgeons
Area of Science:
- Medical Decision Making
- Surgical Practice
- Grounded Theory Research
Background:
- Appendectomy decision-making is complex.
- Existing models often overlook contextual factors.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for improving surgical care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a theoretical model of appendectomy decision-making.
- To explore the interplay of medical assessment and contextual factors.
- To identify key influences on surgical decisions.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interview study.
- Grounded theory tradition.
- Constant comparative method for data analysis.
Main Results:
- A model of appendectomy decision-making was developed.
- Surgeons' decisions involve medical assessment and contextual characteristics.
- Contextual factors include organizational, professional, and patient-related elements.
- Ambiguous medical assessments increase reliance on contextual factors.
Conclusions:
- The developed model highlights critical contextual influences.
- This offers a more nuanced understanding than purely rational models.
- Identified factors can inform training and practice guidelines.