Pan-positive review of systems: Jargon or judgment?

Damari, Nicole; Sewani, Salima · J Hosp Med · 2026

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Abstract

Covert signaling describes communication that is understood by an intended sub-audience while remaining obscured to others. In the healthcare lexicon, the term "pan-positive review of systems" can be used as such to convey veiled doubt in a patient's story, introducing potential bias that can risk patient relationships and clinical care.