Table 1

Feedback received when positive test results motivate withdrawal of treatment

POSITIVE TEST RESULTS
Outcome predicted: poor
FALSE POSITIVE TRUE POSITIVE
Patient dies after life-sustaining treatment is withdrawn, based on the poor prognosis


However, patient would have a good outcome (given continued life-sustaining treatment)


Prognosis changes outcome

  • --> Transformative self-fulfilling prophecy

Patient dies after life-sustaining treatment is withdrawn, based on the poor prognosis


Regardless, patient would have a poor outcome (given continued life-sustaining treatment)


Prognosis does not change outcome

  • --> Operative self-fulfilling prophecy

Outcomes observed: POOR (death of the patient)
--> Unreliable feedback