Potential for reducing confirmation bias using the OMP model "6-microskills" with verbalizing discordance: a...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Clinical Reasoning
• Cognitive Bias

Background:

• The standard 5-microskills method for clinical reasoning lacks a critical reflection step.
• Learners often exhibit confirmation bias, favoring evidence that supports their initial hypotheses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate the "6-microskills" method, incorporating critical self-examination of diagnostic hypotheses.
• To assess the impact of this new method on reducing confirmation bias in medical students.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 108 medical students presented with clinical vignettes.
• Students followed a 3-step process: initial impression, supporting evidence, and contradictory evidence.
• Confidence ratings were collected at each step and analyzed using ANOVA.

Main Results:

• Confidence scores showed significant changes between steps, particularly after providing contradictory evidence.
• The 6-microskills method led to diagnostic changes in four cases of misdiagnosis.
• Verbalizing contradictory evidence helped mitigate diagnostic errors.

Conclusions:

• The 6-microskills method effectively addresses confirmation bias in diagnostic reasoning.
• Incorporating critical self-reflection enhances the accuracy of clinical predictions.
• This revised instructional method shows promise for improving medical education.