The Over-Investigation Trap

A recording of a medical podcast, 'Clinical Consensus', hosted by Justin, featuring consultants Melissa and Amanda at a studio in Seattle.

The Over-Investigation Trap

True or false?

Melissa ordered unnecessary tests for a sprained ankle due to patient expectations.

• True
• False

The patient experienced an allergic reaction to a contrast injection.

• True
• False

Amanda admitted she never orders defensive tests.

• True
• False

The host Justin believes doctors should always rely on watchful waiting.

• True
• False

Melissa's patient nearly died from a severe asthma attack.

• True
• False

Listen again and complete the sentences

• Melissa: Thanks for having us, Justin. It's a huge issue. We're constantly dealing with patient expectations and the pressure to ____ just to cover ourselves legally.
• Amanda: Exactly. I mean, we ought to have more courage on the wards. Instead, we see junior residents getting caught up in ____ and ordering way too much.
• Melissa: Oh, absolutely. I'm guilty of it. Last month, I let a patient's family push me into a whole battery of unnecessary tests for a simple ____ .
• Justin: You didn't need to do that, did you? Especially with a clear ____ .
• Amanda: Good grief! That's the nightmare scenario. A patient coming in for minor pain and nearly dying from our ____ gone wrong.

Sources: photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels