E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional
Negotiating the diagnostic uncertainty of contested illnesses: physician practices and paradigms.
Swoboda, Debra A·Health (London, England : 1997)·2008
This study surveyed 800 U.S. doctors to understand how they diagnose ME/CFS and similar illnesses that lack clear lab tests or agreed-upon causes. Researchers found that many doctors do diagnose these conditions, even without complete scientific consensus, by using practical strategies like consulting expert resources, ordering specific tests, and considering how the body might be affected. The study shows that doctors can rationally diagnose ME/CFS by using thoughtful decision-making processes, and that patients may benefit from seeing doctors who use these careful diagnostic approaches.
Diagnostics