Avoiding Cognitive Biases in Clinical Decision Making: Commentary on “Evidence‐Based Assessment as an Integrative Model for Applying Psychological Science to Guide the Voyage of Treatment”

• Published in: Clinical psychology (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2017-12, Vol.24 (4), p.367-369
• Main Authors: Tarescavage, Anthony M., Ben‐Porath, Yossef S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: applied assessment; assessment; Clinical decision making; Cognitive ability; cognitive bias; Decision Making; Diagnosis; Evidence Based Practice; evidence‐based assessment; Measurement
• ISSN: 0969-5893; 1468-2850
• DOI: 10.1111/cpsp.12220

Comments on an article by Jennifer K. Youngstrom et al. (see record 2017-37726-001). Youngstrom et al. have proposed and described in great depth an ambitious model of evidence- based assessment designed to evolve the current standards of mental health care. They integrate a number of clinical assessment principles into their model, such as a careful review of psychometrics as well as use of measures to diagnose psychopathology, plan treatment, and measure patient outcomes. Youngstrom and colleagues introduce their model of evidence-based assessment by way of an analogy— that a client’s progress through treatment is akin in some ways to a space voyage. They use this analogy to illustrate how preparation for treatment, by way of current psychological assessment practices, is much less efficient and effective than what would be expected for space travel. The analogy is used to highlight the need for comprehensive, applied models of psychological assessment, such as evidence-based assessment. In summary, use of psychological testing before first contact with the patient and its use throughout treatment are two of the many ways that evidence-based assessment can improve client care by reducing the influence of cognitive biases. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)