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Kairos in diagnostics
Bjørn Hofmann1,2, Urban Wiesing3
1Centre of Medical Ethics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, PO Box 1130, Oslo, N-0318, Norway. b.m.hofmann@medisin.uio.no.
Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics
|February 7, 2024
Summary
The concept of kairos, or "the right time," is crucial in diagnostics. This study defines the kairos of diagnostics as the optimal moment for gathering sufficient information to provide the most helpful diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Diagnostics
- Philosophy of Medicine
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Kairos, meaning "the right time," is a long-standing medical concept, traditionally applied to therapeutics.
- Modern technological advancements in diagnostics enable earlier disease detection, leading to potential overdiagnosis.
- Despite progress, diagnoses can still be delayed, highlighting the critical importance of appropriate timing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To scrutinize the concept of kairos within the specific domain of medical diagnostics.
- To analyze the implications of "too early" and "too late" diagnoses.
- To define the kairos of diagnostics based on information availability and clinical utility.
Main Methods:
- Review of the etymology and general usage of kairos and diagnosis.
- Analysis of diagnostic phases and the consequences of mistimed diagnoses (overdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis).
- Delimitation of kairos within the diagnostic process.
Main Results:
- Technological advancements have created challenges in diagnostic timing, leading to both premature and delayed diagnoses.
- Understanding the different phases of diagnostics is essential for identifying the optimal timing.
- The study proposes a definition for the kairos of diagnostics.
Conclusions:
- The kairos of diagnostics is defined as the point at which sufficient information is available to make the most beneficial diagnosis for the patient.
- Appropriate timing in diagnostics is as critical as in therapeutics for effective patient care.
- The concept of kairos offers a valuable framework for optimizing diagnostic processes.
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