Heuristics reasoning in diagnostic judgment
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Published on: June 12, 2020
1College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth 02747, USA.
Abstract:
Heuristics inquiry is an exciting new approach to understanding diagnostic reasoning. Heuristics are short-cut mental strategies that streamline information. Although heuristics allow for faster processing of information than analytic methods, they can lead to errors because not all information is considered. This article describes three heuristics particularly relevant to diagnostic reasoning: accessibility, similarity, and anchoring and adjustment. Specific factors thought to influence heuristic reasoning are reviewed and analyzed. Last, interventions to be tested for both practice and education are presented.
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