PROFESSIONALISM - Approach to Clinical Reasoning

Question 1

What is metacognition?

Answer 1

Metacognition is thinking about thinking, being aware of the decision making process, self analysing and reflecting on the situation

Question 2

What is the dual processing theory?

Answer 2

Dual-processing theory refer to a class of cognitive theories that distinguish between a fast, automatic form of cognition and a slow, deliberative form of cognition

Question 3

What is cognitive load theory?

Answer 3

Cognitive load theory suggests that our short term working memory is only able to hold a limited amount of information whilst problem solving

Question 4

Give four examples of cognitive biases

Answer 4

Availability bias
Confirmation bias
Visceral bias
Zebra retreat

Question 5

What is availablility bias?

Answer 5

Availability bias is considering a diagnosis that more readily comes to mind, if you haven’t seen a disease in a while, it becomes less readily ‘available’

Question 6

What is confirmation bias?

Answer 6

Confirmation bias is where a vet is only looking for evidence to confirm a diagnosis rather than evidence that might refute it

Question 7

What is visceral bias?

Answer 7

Visceral bias is when thinking is swayed by a first impression of a patient or client. Positive or negative feelings can affect decision making

Question 8

What is zebra retreat?

Answer 8

Zebra retreat is the hesitation to consider a rare disease diagnosis, even when it is most likely

Question 9

What is semantic competence?

Answer 9

Semantic competence refers to the understanding and use of words and phrases specific to the veterinary field, allowing you to communicate effectively about medical terms, diagnoses and treatments

Question 10

Which three factors contribute to increased semantic competence?

Answer 10

The use of:
Semantic qualifiers
Illness scripts
Encapsulations

Question 11

What are semantic qualifiers?

Answer 11

Semantic qualifiers are terms that help to clarify the degree of certainty, severity or other attributes related to a disease or condition e.g. localised/diffuse, mild/moderate etc

Question 12

What are illness scripts?

Answer 12

Illness scripts are mental frameworks of how a disease typically presents

Question 13

What are encapsulations?

Answer 13

Encapsulations refer to the terms used to describe a compilation of clinical signs e.g. Otitis externa, congestive heart failure

Question 14

What is context specificity?

Answer 14

Context specificity refers to the idea that the interpretation of clinical signs, behaviours, or treatment responses can vary depending on the context (situation and environment) in which they occur

Question 15

What is situativity theory?

Answer 15

Situativity theory refers to idea of how owner, patient, physician and encounter factors all influence the clinical outcome

Question 16

What is contextualised care?

Answer 16

Contextualised care is a way of delivering veterinary care that acknowledges that there are different ways to approach the diagnosis and treatment of an animal depending on the circumstances of the individual animal and their caregivers, and the context in which the care is delivered

Question 17

What does the acronym SNAPPS stand for in terms of clinical reasoning?

Answer 17

Summarise the case
Narrow down the diagnosis options
Analyse the diagnosis options
Probe, ask questions to explore the case and clarify uncertainties
Plan for managment or treatment
Stategic reading

Question 18

What is the spectrum of care?

Answer 18

The spectrum of care is a continuum of acceptable care options that would satisfy all stakeholders