Medical decision-making
Medical decision-making
Medical decision-making (pronunciation: /ˈmɛdɪkəl dɪˈsɪʒənˌmeɪkɪŋ/) is a process that involves the evaluation and interpretation of medical information to make informed decisions about patient care.
Etymology
The term "medical decision-making" is derived from the Latin words "medicus" meaning "physician" and "decidere" meaning "to decide". It refers to the process by which healthcare professionals make decisions about the diagnosis, treatment, and management of health conditions.
Definition
Medical decision-making is a complex process that involves the integration of patient information, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to make decisions about patient care. It includes the assessment of patient symptoms, the interpretation of diagnostic tests, the consideration of treatment options, and the evaluation of patient outcomes.
Related Terms
- Clinical judgment: The process of interpreting and integrating data to make decisions about patient care.
- Evidence-based medicine: The use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients.
- Shared decision-making: A collaborative process in which patients and healthcare providers make healthcare decisions together, taking into account the best scientific evidence available, as well as the patient's values and preferences.
- Risk-benefit analysis: The process of weighing the potential benefits and risks of a particular treatment or intervention to make an informed decision.
- Informed consent: The process by which a patient learns about and understands the purpose, benefits, and potential risks of a medical or surgical intervention, including clinical trials, and then agrees to receive the treatment or participate in the trial.
See Also
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