Premature Conclusions in the Diagnosis of Iron-deficiency Anemia

Catherine E. Dubeau, Anthony E. Voytovich and Robert M. Rippey

Medical Decision Making, 1986, vol. 6, issue 3, 169-173

Abstract: Case records of patients with iron-deficiency anemia were audited using a computer-based algorithm. In 24 of 35 cases, the diagnostic conclusion seemed unjustified and characteristic of premature closure, one of four recurring errors in diagnostic reasoning described previ ously. Premature closure appeared to originate from subjects at all levels of training, to be easily and unquestioningly accepted by other physicians, and to inappropriately condition diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. Heuristics and biases described by Tversky and Kahne man are considered as contributory factors and patient care and teaching implications are discussed.

Keywords: Key words: premature conclusions; problem formulation; diagnostic reasoning; iron-deficiency anemia. (Med Decis Making 6:169-173; 1986) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1986
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:medema:v:6:y:1986:i:3:p:169-173

DOI: 10.1177/0272989X8600600307

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