The CARE technique is an example of a practical, yet effective way of reducing diagnostic errors, but theoretical solutions to this dilemma are also quite promising. Ely and Graber (2016) argue that all the cognitive errors committed by a physician lead to a “single pathway”, at the end of which exists the simple statement “I just didn’t think of it” (Ely & Graber, 2016). The “it” in this phrase could either be an alternative diagnosis, the doctor’s own bias, a crucial aspect of the patient’s history, or potential complications that were overlooked due to cognitive errors. Studies suggest that by involving the patient in the diagnostic process, consulting colleagues and other medical professionals in difficult situations, and using a checklist
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Croskerry and Nimmo (2011) have developed several strategies that can further decrease diagnostic errors by analyzing the dual process model of thinking and advocate for all physicians to “think about thinking” (Croskerry & Nimmo, 2011). They argue that physicians should not only use their analytical reasoning more frequently but can also improve their intuitive reasoning by employing the following strategies: (1) “Accept conflict in choice;” (2) Make the “scientific method intuitive;” (3) “Acknowledge Emotions;” and (4) Recognize and “censor” intuitions that automatically pop up. Focusing on how to improve type 1 reasoning is only part of the problem because analytical reasoning often plays an integral role in procuring a diagnosis and catching any errors caused by using intuitive, fast reasoning. Croskerry et al. say that for optimum clinical performance, doctors must be able to “toggle” between analytical and intuitive thought based on whichever mode of thinking is most conducive to solving the given task at hand. A combination of the two modes of the dual process model, along with usage of the CARE techniques and other “de-biasing” and hospital management techniques, would be effective in reducing cognitive errors and biases made by physicians and hospital
Croskerry and Nimmo (2011) have developed several strategies that can further decrease diagnostic errors by analyzing the dual process model of thinking and advocate for all physicians to “think about thinking” (Croskerry & Nimmo, 2011). They argue that physicians should not only use their analytical reasoning more frequently but can also improve their intuitive reasoning by employing the following strategies: (1) “Accept conflict in choice;” (2) Make the “scientific method intuitive;” (3) “Acknowledge Emotions;” and (4) Recognize and “censor” intuitions that automatically pop up. Focusing on how to improve type 1 reasoning is only part of the problem because analytical reasoning often plays an integral role in procuring a diagnosis and catching any errors caused by using intuitive, fast reasoning. Croskerry et al. say that for optimum clinical performance, doctors must be able to “toggle” between analytical and intuitive thought based on whichever mode of thinking is most conducive to solving the given task at hand. A combination of the two modes of the dual process model, along with usage of the CARE techniques and other “de-biasing” and hospital management techniques, would be effective in reducing cognitive errors and biases made by physicians and hospital