Abstract

DIAZ NOVAS, José; GALLEGO MACHADO, Bárbara Rosa  and  CALLES CALVINO, Adela. Rules and implementation of the deductive-hypothetical method in diagnosis. Rev Cubana Med Gen Integr [online]. 2011, vol.27, n.3, pp.378-387. ISSN 0864-2125.

ABSTRACT The proper identification of health problems of patient is the basis supporting the professional performance of physicians and the key for a quality care. The purpose of present paper is to describe the deductive-hypothetical method and its use in the diagnostic process, showing practical examples of clinical cases that could be similar to that observed in the primary care. A review work was made of national and foreign papers approaching the medical diagnosis y the implementation of the above mentioned method in the process of diagnosis. The physicians according to a increase in knowledges and experiences may to simplify the process of diagnosis and with a few data they made its diagnostic hypotheses (deductive-hypothetic method), directing the questioning, the physical examination and the complementary screenings towards the verification or the rejection of initial diagnoses. If initial diagnosis is rejected it is necessary to start again the process. The deductive-hypothetical method is very effective whenever it be properly applied by a experimented staff and with the necessary conditions. The method is not extent of errors if its principles are infringed.

Keywords : Medical diagnosis; diagnostic hypothesis; deductive-hypothetical method; directed screening.

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