How does a pathologist make a diagnosis?

Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
Gil Patrus Pena, José de Souza Andrade-Filho

Abstract

A pathologic diagnosis is the result of a complex series of activities, mastered by the pathologist. The nature of these activities is, however, rarely talked about in depth. The medical literature occasionally discusses aspects of the pathologic diagnosis processes, generally departing from the pathologic practice. The lack of a model makes discussions about the subject a matter of preference or personal style. Educational programs are largely based on the apprenticeship model, and the development of specific abilities rests on the personal aspects of both apprentice and mentor. A model for the pathologic diagnostic process is proposed. The process of diagnosis can be viewed as an action plan, encompassing 4 domains: (1) cognitive, (2) communicative, (3) normative, and (4) medical conduct. The cognitive domain involves processes of perception, attention, memory, search, hypothesis creation, and verification, among others. Communicative skills consist of providing arguments in support of a diagnostic conclusion, with adequate clinical and relevant pathologic information. Pathologic diagnosis is also subject to technical rules (based on empirical experiences), rules of rational choice (strategies aiming at definite goals), and c...Continue Reading

References

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Citations

Nov 23, 2010·Diagnostic Pathology·Lucia Roa-PeñaEduardo Romero
Mar 31, 2011·Diagnostic Pathology·Ricardo GutiérrezEduardo Romero
Apr 22, 2011·Diagnostic Pathology·David RomoFabio González
Feb 19, 2021·Journal of Cutaneous Pathology·Diego Morales-Neira
Mar 4, 2020·Virchows Archiv : an International Journal of Pathology·Xavier Matias-GuiuUNKNOWN European Society of Pathology (ESP)

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