Science and intuition: do both have a place in clinical decision making?

Abstract

Intuition is widely used in clinical decision making yet its use is underestimated compared to scientific decision-making methods. Information processing is used within scientific decision making and is methodical and analytical, whereas intuition relies more on a practitioner's perception. Intuition is an unconscious process and may be referred to as a 'sixth sense', 'hunch' or 'gut feeling'. It is not underpinned by valid and reliable measures. Expert health professionals use a rapid, automatic process to recognise familiar problems instantly. Intuition could therefore involve pattern recognition, where experts draw on experiences, so could be perceived as a cognitive skill rather than a perception or knowing without knowing how. The NHS places great importance on evidence-based practice but intuition is seemingly becoming an acceptable way of thinking and knowing in clinical decision making. Recognising nursing as an art allows intuition to be used and the environment or situation to be interpreted to help inform decision making. Intuition can be used in conjunction with evidence-based practice and to achieve good outcomes and deserves to be acknowledged within clinical practice.

Integral approach to South African psychology with special reference to indigenous knowledge

“…As noted by Pearson (2013) there is also much scope for expert health care by informed healers who use a rapid, automatic process to instantly recognise familiar prob lems and management solutions. This is an informed type of intuition that has already been considerably shaped by beneficial, interpersonal and professional ethical environ ments.…”

Intuition as a Healing Modality: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives

“…Typically, different interventions are indicated for different illnesses in different individuals and groups in different contexts. As noted by Pearson (2013) there is much scope for expert health care by informed healers who use a rapid, automatic process to instantly recognize familiar problems and management solutions. This is an informed type of intuition that has already been considerably shaped by beneficial, interpersonal and professional ethical environments.…”

“…Spiritual healing in which use of intuition is primary remains relevant to modern alternative or complementary therapies (Gaudiano, Brown, & Miller, 2011;Hodgkinson, Langan-Fox, & Sadler-Smith, 2008;Hogarth, 2010;Pearson, 2013;Topolinski, 2011). Intuition implies becoming conscious of that Being from which all consciousness arises moment to moment.…”

The intuitive nurse in critical care practice: a phenomenological study

“…8 Furthermore, intuition is considered as the art of nursing, aesthetic knowing, and tacit knowledge. 9, 10 Green asserted that understanding of the nature and development of intuition in nursing can help nurse educators foster it in young nurses, and give clinicians more confidence in this aspect of their knowledge, allowing them to respond to their intuitions with greater assurance. 11 Benner theorized five steps necessary to reach clinical competency in nursing; these stages commenced with novice and continued to expert, where expert nurses are not consciously aware of their practice because it has become part of their being.…”