title: Information requirements underlying medical decision making in the diagnosis and early management of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage.
abstract: The research reported here investigated an area in which improved information would significantly enhance decision making focusing upon the diagnosis and management of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The incidence of SAH is low, but morbidity and mortality are high. Furthermore, nonspecialists acting as gatekeepers to specialist care may not possess the required knowledge base and diagnostic skills to make reasonable decisions. The information used by experts was evaluated and an expert consensus established. An analysis of nonspecialist decision making was then completed, and finally the expert consensus was utilized to identify both the information deficits and the training requirements of nonspecialists.
authors.affiliation: Oldham Family Health Services Authority, England.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Haycox
mesh_terms: D003662:Decision Theory; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D004739:England; D005194:Family Practice / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009493:Neurosurgery / Q000592:standards; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013345:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires