Time Efficiency Principle

Published Date: 19th July 2016

Publication Authors: Holden JD

Abstract

The test and retest opportunity afforded by reviewing a patient over time substantially increases the total gain in certainty when making a diagnosis in low-prevalence settings (the time-efficiency principle). This approach safely and efficiently reduces the number of patients who need to be formally tested in order to make a correct diagnosis for a person. Time, in terms of observed disease trajectory, provides a vital mechanism for achieving this task. It remains the best strategy for delivering near-optimal diagnoses in low-prevalence settings and should be used to its full advantage.

Irving, G and Holden, J. (2013).  The time-efficiency principle: Time as the key diagnostic strategy in primary care . Family Practice. 30 (4), 386-89

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