Clinical prediction guides. Issue 1 (February 1998)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McGinn, Thomas; Randolph, Adrienne; Richardson, Scott; Sackett, David
• Is Part Of: Evidence-based medicine. Volume 3:Issue 1(1998)
• Page Start: 5
• Page End: 6
• Publication Date: 1998-02
• Subjects: Evidence-based medicine -- Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1136/ebm.1998.3.5
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1356-5524

Abstract

Abstract : Prediction is central to most of our actions as clinicians. We are faced with the task of predicting on the basis of history, physical examinations, and laboratory results when we diagnose, prognosticate, discuss causes, and choose treatment options. Is the patient with pain radiating down her left arm having a myocardial infarction, and to what extent should my prediction change if the pain radiates only to her right shoulder? What is the risk for an embolic stroke in a hypertensive woman with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation? What degree of benefit can a man with symptomatic 90% carotid stenosis derive from carotid endarterectomy if he also has diabetes and a 60 pack-year history of smoking?