Clinical Judgement by Robin Downie
There is a widespread view that modern medicine is primarily a scientific enterprise and that the decisions of clinicians follow from evidence-based science. In terms of this view the need for clinical judgement is minimal. The aims of this book are to make a case for the centrality and irreplaceability of clinical judgement, to identify the elements of good clinical judgement, and to suggest how these might be developed by using the humanities in medical undergraduate and postgraduate education. The authors argue that good clinical judgement requires both technical evidence and a humane attitude. But technical evidence is not always quantifiable or even scientific; it can be like that of the detective or the literary scholar. A humane attitude involves ethical sensitivity, but also a broad educated perspective which can be derived from the arts. The authors illustrate their argument by examining decisions made by doctors in clinical situations, in public health, and (in a chapter contributed by a hospital consultant) in resource management. About the authors: Robert S. Downie is Professor of Moral Philosophy at Glasgow University since 1969. He is a member of the BMA Ethics Committee and co-editor of the Journal of Medical Ethics. He has published extensively in the field of medical ethics. Jane MacNaughton has recently taken the position of Director of Centre for Arts, Humanities, Health and Medicine at the University of Durham. Previously she was Clinical Lecturer in General Practice at Glasgow University and a part-time GP.
. . [A] well-written book . . . lucid discussion of the relation between science and art in clinical medicine . . . I was so impressed with the clarity and intelligence . . . of this book. * The New England Journal of Medicine *
This slim well-written book deserves a place on the shelf of anyone who wishes to be a well-rounded, complete physician as well as those training the next generation of doctors. * Karyn Baum, University of Minnesota, USA *
This slim well-written book deserves a place on the shelf of anyone who wishes to be a well-rounded, complete physician as well as those training the next generation of doctors. * Karyn Baum, University of Minnesota, USA *
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780192632166 |
| ISBN 10 | 0192632167 |
| Title | Clinical Judgement |
| Author | Robin Downie |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
| Year published | 2000-03-23 |
| Number of pages | 212 |
| Prizes | Winner of Commended in the BMA Medical Book Competition 2001 - Basis of Medicine Category. |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |