title: A problem solving and decision making toolbox for approaching clinical problems and decisions.
abstract: In this paper, we begin by presenting three real patients and then review all the practical conceptual tools that have been suggested for systematically analyzing clinical problems. Each of these conceptual tools (e.g. Evidence-Based Medicine, Clinical Practice Guidelines, Decision Analysis) deals mainly with a different type or aspect of clinical problems. We suggest that all of these conceptual tools can be thought of as belonging in the clinician's toolbox for solving clinical problems and making clinical decisions. A heuristic for guiding the clinician in using the tools is proposed. The heuristic is then used to analyze management of the three patients presented at the outset.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, Health Economics and Administration, Ben Gurion Univ. of the Negev, 84105, Beer Sheva, Israel. mcarmi@bgumail.bgu.ac.il
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Margolis
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jotkowitz
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sitter
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003657:Decision Making; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011340:Problem Solving