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A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
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Should we screen aging physicians for cognitive decline?
Natalia Shilnikova1,2, Franco Momoli1,3, Mohamed Kadry Taher2,3,4
1Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, Canada.
Aging & Mental Health
|September 11, 2023
Summary
Cognitive decline in older physicians may affect clinical performance. Implementing cognitive testing requires careful consideration of interpretation challenges and limited evidence linking test results to actual practice.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Medical Education
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Physician cognitive abilities may decline with age, potentially impacting clinical performance.
- Self-assessment of cognitive decline is often inaccurate among practicing physicians.
- Physicians may be reluctant to report colleagues' cognitive issues, complicating peer review.
Approach:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across major databases (Medline, EMBASE, PsycInfo, ERIC).
- Key findings regarding physician cognitive function, performance, and assessment were abstracted and synthesized.
- Evidence relevant to cognitive testing of older physicians was compiled to inform decision-making.
Key Points:
- Cognitive scores are lower in physicians referred for performance concerns.
- Most cognitive assessment tools lack physician-specific normative data.
- Limited scientific evidence directly links cognitive test results to physician performance.
- No established threshold for cognitive decline defines unfitness to practice.
- Cognitive domains relevant to practice vary by medical specialty.
Conclusions:
- Physician cognitive decline is a potential concern for clinical performance.
- Implementing cognitive assessment for older physicians necessitates addressing the complexities of interpreting test results.
- Further research is needed to establish clearer links between cognitive function and clinical practice standards.
Keywords:
Physicianclinical performancecognitive agingcognitive assessmentcompetencefitness for practiceMore Related Videos
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