Intuition and evidence--uneasy bedfellows?

Full Abstract

Intuition is a decision-making method that is used unconsciously by experienced practitioners but is inaccessible to the novice. It is rapid, subtle, contextual, and does not follow simple, cause-and-effect logic. Evidence-based medicine offers exciting opportunities_for improving patient outcomes, but the 'evidence-burdened' approach of the inexperienced, protocol-driven clinician is well documented Intuition is not unscientific. It is a highly creative process, fundamental to hypothesis generation in science. The experienced practitioner should generate and follow clinical hunches as well as (not instead of applying the deductive principles of evidence-based medicine. The educational research literature suggests that we can improve our intuitive powers through systematic critical reflection about intuitive judgements--for example, through creative writing and dialogue with professional colleagues. It is time to revive and celebrate clinical storytelling as a method for professional education and development. The stage is surely set for a new, improved--and, indeed, evidence-based--'Balint'group.

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Author information

Author/s: Greenhalgh, Trisha (T);

Affiliation: Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners (Br J Gen Pract), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-May; vol 52 (issue 478) : pp 395-400

Dates: Created 2002/05/16; Completed 2002/06/13; Revised 2005/11/16;

PMID: 12014539, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

Comments and Corrections

CommentIn: Br J Gen Pract. 2002 Aug;52(481):674. (PMID: 12171230)

CommentIn: Br J Gen Pract. 2002 Jul;52(480):588. (PMID: 12120744)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Decision Making
Evidence-Based Medicine

Humans
Intuition

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