Abstract
The effectiveness and justification of every therapy and other clinical decisions
is based on a correct diagnosis. However, many types of test results can contain
uncertainties that may lead to clinically incorrect decisions. The same applies
to the reliability of expert opinions for legal disputes. Adequate communication
of diagnostic and expert uncertainties in the examination report or expert
opinion is therefore crucial for avoiding incorrect decisions. The liability of
the person providing the service is also affected. However, uncertain or even
erroneous findings can have various causes, only some of which are known to the
examining or commissioning person. This article provides an overview of 3
different types of susceptibility to errors using the example of pathological
biopsy and cytology examinations, which can also be transferred to other
veterinary disciplines in a similar way. A solid understanding of the possible
sources of error as well as adequate communication and discussion of
case-specific, limited probabilities in investigation reports and expert
opinions make a significant contribution to avoiding incorrect decisions.
However, commonly used terms such as "highly probable",
"suspected" or "cannot be ruled out" are sometimes
interpreted in unclear or divergent ways, which are explained here with
recommendations for uniform use. This is intended to enable the person making
the decision, if necessary, to initiate further diagnostic tests or gather
further evidence in the context of all other available data in order to reduce
the risk of error as far as possible.
Keywords
Causes of errors - uncertainty - communication - liability - forensics - probability
