Using evidence-based practice to select diagnostic tests.

Roy, Jean-Sébastien; Michlovitz, Susan · Hand Clin · 2009

review · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

Diagnosis is a primary activity of hand surgeons and therapists. Diagnostic tests can be used to assist in "ruling in" or "ruling out" a condition to best direct prognosis and treatment. However, the assigning of the diagnostic label is not always obvious. Principles of evidence-based practice may help hand care professionals improve their practice in the diagnosis of their patients. Evidence-based practice can be defined in terms of five steps that serve the structure for decision making and ensure optimum use of clinicians' expertise in the diagnosis.

Medical subject headings

Anatomy