Use of the Assessment–Diagnosis–Treatment–Outcomes Model to Improve Patient Care

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this review was to compare and contrast the principles of the Assessment-Diagnosis-Treatment-Outcomes (ADTO) model with clinical prediction rules, shared decision making, and practice guidelines and provide a framework for validating medical simulations. METHODS: Comparing and contrasting the various methods and tools used by the clinical community and patients to help make informed decisions regarding health care options. RESULTS: The ADTO model provides an excellent theoretical framework to analyze and conceptualize the interrelationships between clinicians and patients as they go through the process of determining best practices. However, the ADTO model may be too comprehensive to implement within any given clinical prediction rule or hypothetical-construct-oriented medical simulation, at least at this point in the development of these fields. CONCLUSIONS: The way forward for developing substantive medical simulations that will tie together complex constructs is to start at the beginning and plan to make small steps as a basis for establishing the infrastructure that will lead to a giant leap for mankind.