title: Intuition and evidence--uneasy bedfellows?
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London.
authors.forename: Trisha
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Greenhalgh
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D019545:Intuition