From: Error and discrepancy in radiology: inevitable or avoidable?
Bias | Explanation |
---|---|
Anchoring bias | During the process of reporting a study, the radiologist fixes upon an early impression, and fails to adapt or change that view, discounting any subsequent information that may conflict |
Framing bias | The radiologist is unduly influenced by the way the question or problem is framed, e.g. if the clinical information provided in a request for a CT states “young patient with palpable mass, probable Crohn’s disease”, a bowel mass may be interpreted as being likely due to Crohn’s, discounting possible malignancy |
Availability bias | Tendency to suggest diagnoses that readily come to mind. |
Confirmation bias | Tendency to seek evidence to support a diagnostic hypothesis already made, and to ignore evidence refuting that hypothesis |
Satisfaction of search | Tendency to stop looking for additional abnormal findings on a study once an initial probable diagnosis is identified |
Premature closure | Tendency to accept a diagnosis before proof or verification is obtained |
Outcome bias | Naturally empathic inclination to favour a diagnosis that will result in a more favourable outcome for the patient, even if unsupported by evidence |
Zebra retreat | Inclination of a radiologist to hold back from making a rare diagnosis due to lack of confidence about reporting such an unusual condition, despite supporting evidence |