Diagnostic & investigative approach of consultant neurologists in a
real-world clinical setting
Abstract
Background: Whilst core curricula in neurology are nationally
standardised, in real-world clinical practice, different approaches may
be taken by individual consultants. In this study, we investigated: (1)
variance in diagnostic and investigative practice, using a case-based
analysis of inter-rater agreement; (2) potential importance of any
differences in terms of patient care; (3) relationships between clinical
experience, diagnostic certainty, diagnostic peer-agreement and
investigative approach; (4) development of novel individualised metrics
to facilitate appraisal. Methods: Four neurologists with 0-23 years’
experience at consultant level provided diagnosis, certainty (10-point
Likert scale), and investigative approach for 200 consecutive general
neurology outpatients seen by a newly qualified consultant. Diagnostic
agreement was evaluated by percentage agreement. The potential
importance of any diagnostic differences was assigned a score by the
evaluating neurologist (6-point Likert scale). Associations between
diagnostic agreement, certainty and investigative approach were assessed
using Spearman correlation, logistic and ordinal regression, and
reported as individualiszd metrics for each rater. Results: Diagnostic
peer-agreement was 4/4, 3/4, 2/4 and 1/4 in 50%, 28%, 20% and 3% of
cases, respectively. In 17%, differences in patient management were
judged potentially important. Investigation rates were 42-73%. Mean
diagnostic certainty ranged between 6.2/10 (SD 2.1) to 7.7/10 (SD 2.2)
between least and most experienced consultants. Greater diagnostic
certainty was associated with greater diagnostic peer-agreement
(individual-rater regression coefficients 0.30-0.51, p<0.01)
and lower odds of arranging investigations (individual-rater odds ratios
0.58-0.78, p<0.01). Conclusions: Variance in diagnostic and
investigative practice between consultant neurologists exits and may
result in differing management. Mean diagnostic certainty increased
numerically with experience and was statistically associated with
greater diagnostic peer-agreement and lower investigation rates. Metrics
reflecting concordance with peers, and relationships to diagnostic
confidence, could inform reflective practice.