Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 22, 2026
14:32
Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Kinds of patients
1National Advisory Committee on Health and Disability, Ministry of Health, Wellington, New Zealand.
The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy
|March 21, 1998
Summary
Health outcomes research aims to identify patient groups benefiting from treatments. This study argues that the claim "every patient is unique" is misguided, challenging a kinds-based approach in clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Health outcomes research
- Clinical practice
- Philosophy of science
Background:
- Health outcomes research seeks to identify patient subgroups that benefit from specific medical interventions.
- Clinicians face challenges in standardizing practice based on health outcome data due to the assertion that "every patient is unique".
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the philosophical concept of natural kinds and its applicability to a kinds-based approach in clinical research and practice.
- To evaluate the coherence of the claim that "every patient is unique" within the context of health outcomes research.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical analysis of the notion of natural kinds.
- Examination of the challenges in applying a kinds-based approach to clinical practice.
Main Results:
- The claim of "patient uniqueness" is considered misguided.
- Difficulties in assigning single-case probabilities and the potential for stereotyping and discrimination are identified as key challenges.
Conclusions:
- A kinds-based approach to clinical practice, informed by health outcomes research, is philosophically coherent.
- The assertion of "patient uniqueness" is not a valid reason to resist standardizing clinical practices based on evidence.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:28Hospitals-I
Hospitals offer medical and surgical care to the sick and injured, along with accommodation while they recover. At the same time, they also provide outpatient, emergency, psychiatric, and rehabilitation services to meet various community needs. In addition to providing medical care, hospitals also act as hubs for medical research and training. Hospitals use clinical procedures and evidence-based practice standards to deliver patient care. To deliver safe and efficient care, a nurse must stay up...
00:59Hospitals-II
Hospitals provide inpatient and outpatient services. Inpatient services provide care to patients that stay in the hospital for an extended period, ranging from days to months. Examples of inpatient services include intensive care units, hospital wards, or surgeries. Outpatient services provide care to patients who come to a hospital for a diagnostic or treatment but do not stay overnight —for example, diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, or health education.
Nurses that work in hospitals have...
Nurses that work in hospitals have...
01:13Patient-centered Care
Patient-centered care involves delivering care beyond inpatient hospitalization. Reflective practice can enhance a patient-centered approach. Reflective practice is a process of reasoning that considers all aspects of the present situation, including practicalities, learning from personal practice, and consideration of patient needs. Patients appreciate care decisions made while considering their input. Involving the patient in their care provides the patient with a sense of contribution rather...
01:30Data Collection I
Data collection gathers information needed to make accurate judgments about a patient's present condition. During a health history interview, subjective data is collected from the patient, their caregivers, or family members, and objective data is collected through observations and physical assessment. Patients are the primary source of subjective data. Thus information gathered from patients through interviews, observations, and physical examination is primary data. Secondary sources of data...
01:27Types of Records I: Unit and Nurses Records
Unit records in healthcare settings document the patient's treatment history, including interventions, medications, diagnostic and laboratory results, progress notes, personal care needs, vital signs, and other medical information. They are crucial for managing patient care, aiding healthcare professionals in providing quality treatment and informed decision-making.
Unit records can be divided into two main types: administrative records and clinical records.
Administrative records in...
Unit records can be divided into two main types: administrative records and clinical records.
Administrative records in...
01:23Ethical Standards II
Ethical standards are the backbone of nursing practice, guiding nurses as they interact with patients, families, and colleagues. These standards are crucial for providing safe, empathetic care centered on the patient's needs.
Nurses are entrusted with upholding various ethical principles and standards. Nurses forge solid therapeutic relationships using trust, empathy, autonomy, confidentiality, and professional competence.
Confidentiality is crucial, embodying respect for individual privacy and...
Nurses are entrusted with upholding various ethical principles and standards. Nurses forge solid therapeutic relationships using trust, empathy, autonomy, confidentiality, and professional competence.
Confidentiality is crucial, embodying respect for individual privacy and...