Case-based clinical reasoning in feline medicine: 1: Intuitive and analytical systems

Paul J Canfield; Martin L Whitehead; Robert Johnson; Carolyn R O'Brien; Richard Malik

doi:10.1177/1098612X15623116

Case-based clinical reasoning in feline medicine: 1: Intuitive and analytical systems

J Feline Med Surg. 2016 Jan;18(1):35-45. doi: 10.1177/1098612X15623116.

Authors

Paul J Canfield¹, Martin L Whitehead², Robert Johnson³, Carolyn R O'Brien⁴, Richard Malik⁵

Affiliations

¹ Faculty of Veterinary Science, B14, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia paul.canfield@sydney.edu.au.
² Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital, Banbury Road, Chipping Norton, Oxon, OX7 5SY, UK.
³ South Penrith Veterinary Clinic, 126 Stafford Street, Penrith, NSW 2750, Australia.
⁴ Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3152, Australia.
⁵ Centre for Veterinary Education, B22, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.

PMID: 26733547
DOI: 10.1177/1098612X15623116

Abstract

Aim: This is Article 1 of a three-part series on clinical reasoning that encourages practitioners to explore and understand how they think and make case-based decisions. It is hoped that, in the process, they will learn to trust their intuition but, at the same time, put in place safeguards to diminish the impact of bias and misguided logic on their diagnostic decision-making.

Series outline: This first article discusses the relative merits and shortcomings of System 1 thinking (immediate and unconscious) and System 2 thinking (effortful and analytical). Articles 2 and 3, to appear in the March and May 2016 issues of JFMS, respectively, will examine managing cognitive error, and use of heuristics (mental short cuts) and illness scripts in diagnostic reasoning.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Cat Diseases / diagnosis*
Cat Diseases / therapy*
Cats
Clinical Decision-Making*
Evidence-Based Practice*
Veterinary Medicine / standards*