Three approaches to problem solving in medicine and some problems they create.

Abstract

Three general approaches to problem solving in medicine are examined: Basic Science Problem Solving, Clinical Medicine Problem Solving, and Human Values Problem Solving. These three approaches employ different--indeed contradictory--search strategies. Not infrequently, students of medicine become versed in one or another problem solving approach only to flounder when they try to apply it inappropriately. Recognition of this problem may help to solve it.