Intuition and clinical decision-making in healthcare : what do we know?

Abstract

This dissertation explores the complex relationship between intuitive and analytical decision-making in acute healthcare settings. Through a comprehensive scoping review, this study seeks to clarify the role of intuition in decision-making, identify influencing factors, and examine its interaction with evidence-based practices. This study addresses three primary research questions focused on the role of intuition in clinical decision-making, the factors influencing its utilisation among healthcare professionals, and its interplay with evidence-based practice. Utilising Cochrane’s framework and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a structured, systematic exploration of the literature was conducted, focusing on intuitive decision-making models and their cognitive underpinnings. The search strategy was conducted using databases like PubMed, EBSCOhost, SCOPUS, and Web of Science, while studies were critically appraised via the Joanna Briggs Institute tools. The review primarily included qualitative and quantitative studies published over the past two decades that investigated the use of intuition during decision-making in acute healthcare settings. In all, 28 studies were identified and analysed. The thematic analysis results highlight that intuition is an invaluable tool for healthcare providers. It enhances decision-making when swift judgements are required, particularly in specialities like emergency departments and intensive care units. The reviewed studies illustrate that intuition often stems from pattern recognition and experiential learning, emphasising its reliance on professional expertise. However, the findings also underscore the variability in defining and applying intuition across different studies, pointing to a lack of a standardised framework. This variability poses challenges in comparing results, highlighting the need for further research to establish consistent metrics for measuring intuition in clinical contexts. This review also demonstrates that intuition can provide rapid insights but is most effective when integrated with evidence-based practices. This synthesis facilitates a comprehensive approach to patient care, balancing empirical rigour with experiential knowledge. This dissertation concludes that fostering a culture that values intuition and analytical thinking can optimise clinical outcomes, emphasising the necessity for continued exploration of the cognitive processes underlying intuitive decision-making within healthcare environments.