Box 1.

Suggested checklist for making good clinical decisions97–99

Consider whether data are truly relevant, rather than just salient.
Did I consider causes besides the obvious ones?
How did I reach my diagnosis?
Did a patient or colleague suggest the diagnosis?
Did I ask questions that would disprove, rather than confirm, my current hypothesis?
Have I been interrupted or distracted while caring for this patient?
Is this a patient I do not like or like too much for any reason?
Am I stereotyping the patient or presentation?
Remember that you are wrong more often than you think!