4

Making a diagnosis/making decisions

This competency is about a conscious, structured approach to decision-making.

Insufficient Evidence

From the available evidence, the doctor’s performance cannot be placed on a higher point of this developmental scale.

Needs Further Development

Taking relevant data into account, clarifies the problem and the nature of the decision required.

Competent

Addresses problems that present early and in an undifferentiated way by integrating information to aid pattern recognition.

Uses time as a diagnostic tool.

Uses an understanding of probability based on prevalence, incidence and natural history of illness to aid

decision-making.

Excellent

Uses methods such as models and scripts to identify patterns quickly and reliably.

Uses an analytical approach to novel situations where probability cannot be readily applied.

Generates and tests an appropriate hypothesis.

Makes decisions by applying rules or plans.

Revises hypotheses in the light of additional information.

Thinks flexibly around problems, generating functional solutions.

No longer relies on rules alone but is able to use and justify discretionary judgement in situations of uncertainty.