Putting Patients First: Rethinking Diagnosis in Healthcare

A study led by researchers from the University of Cambridge and Kings' College London found that clinicians rank patient self-assessments as the least important factor in diagnostic decisions. The study highlighted the under-valuation of patient reports and the tendency for patients to be disbelieved or have their symptoms downplayed. Clinicians ranked their own assessments highest, despite acknowledging their lack of confidence in diagnosing invisible symptoms. The study emphasized the need to value patients' insights and experiences, particularly for long-standing diseases, and called for a more collaborative relationship between patients and clinicians. Including patients' perspectives in diagnosis could lead to improved accuracy, fewer misdiagnoses, and greater patient satisfaction.