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Published on: March 6, 2018
Exploratory Analysis of Dunning-Kruger Effect Among Oncologists Managing Prostatic Adenocarcinoma Candidates for
Daniela Sambataro1,2, Vittorio Gebbia3, Fabrizio Scrima4
1Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Kore University of Enna, Enna, Italy; daniela.sambataro@unikore.it.
Background/Aim:
The study aimed to analyze the Dunning-Kruger effect (DKE) in oncologists' self-perceived and accurate knowledge of scientific data, prescribing indications, and clinical results of the new radioligand therapy (RLT) for metastatic castration-resistant prostate carcinoma (mCRPC).
Patients And Methods:
Clinical oncologists, including urologists, medical and radiation oncologists, were asked to voluntarily participate in a web-based nine-question test to explore the DKE in the clinical setting of 177-lutetium RLT for mCRPC. Before the test, participants were asked to estimate their performance percentage on a scale from 1 (poor performance, lack of knowledge) to 100 (efficient, entirely accurate performance, expert). A board of six experts evaluated knowledge performance, reporting results as a percentage on a 0-100% scale.
Results:
A total of 128 physicians agreed to participate and completed the questionnaire. Participants were divided into four quartile groups based on their ranked test scores. The observed difference between self-estimation and actual knowledge performance was statistically significant, indicating that less skilled participants often overestimate their abilities. Specialty, work environment, scientific production, participation in a multidisciplinary board, and expertise were all strongly correlated with quartile level (p<0.001).
Conclusion:
Clinical oncologists display significant DKE when assessed in the developing therapeutic area of RLT in mCRPC. These results underscore the need to transition toward multidisciplinary training programs, which are essential for effective education in RLT.
Insights
Oncologists overestimate their knowledge of radioligand therapy for prostate cancer, revealing the Dunning-Kruger effect. This highlights the need for better multidisciplinary training programs in this developing field.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Medical Education
Background:
- The Dunning-Kruger effect (DKE) is analyzed in oncologists concerning radioligand therapy (RLT) for metastatic castration-resistant prostate carcinoma (mCRPC).
- Assessing self-perceived versus actual knowledge of RLT's scientific data, indications, and outcomes is crucial in this evolving field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the Dunning-Kruger effect in oncologists' understanding of 177-lutetium RLT for mCRPC.
- To compare oncologists' self-estimated knowledge with their objectively measured performance.
Main Methods:
- 128 clinical oncologists (urologists, medical, radiation) completed a 9-question web-based test on 177-lutetium RLT for mCRPC.
- Participants self-assessed performance (1-100%); expert evaluation provided objective scores (0-100%).
- Physicians were grouped into quartiles based on test performance.
Main Results:
- A significant difference between self-estimation and actual knowledge was observed, with less skilled participants overestimating their abilities.
- Higher performance quartiles correlated strongly with specialty, work environment, scientific output, and multidisciplinary board participation (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Clinical oncologists exhibit a notable Dunning-Kruger effect regarding radioligand therapy for mCRPC.
- The findings emphasize the necessity of multidisciplinary training programs for effective RLT education.
