Computer Applications in Medical Care. Computer Systems in Hospitals. Clinical and Anatomic Pathology Systems: Decision Making and Laboratory Test Utilization: Expert-Novice Differences

摘要

This study investigates the medical decision making process in both expert and novice physicians in an attempt to identify specific weaknesses in this decision making process which might be targeted for medical decision support. Two groups of physicians, practicing gastroenterologists and third and fourth year medical students, were given simulated patient management problems in a paper-and-pencil format. The two problems used were both from the same medical domain, liver disease, and consisted of an initial clinical scenario followed by two opportunities to order and obtain laboratory test results. The results were analyzed using a hypothetico-deductive model of decision making as a basis for evaluation. It is assumed that weaknesses of the novices relative to the experts in one of the four primary decision making phases described by this model may indicate a possible need for decision support.