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Diagnosis: From classification to prediction

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  • Armstrong, David

Abstract

Over the last two decades diagnostic labels have increasingly been sub-divided based on molecular and genetic ‘signatures’. But this emphasis on disease sub-types defined in molecular terms, elides the central role of population-based predictive technologies in determining these new diagnoses. While molecular diagnostic sub-types might flow from the laboratory, the clinical validity of every putative diagnostic category must ultimately be tested against its predictive powers. In effect, the former logic of prognosis following diagnosis is reversed. This paper explores the emergence of this new method of diagnostic practice over the last half century.

Suggested Citation

  • Armstrong, David, 2019. "Diagnosis: From classification to prediction," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 237(C), pages 1-1.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:237:y:2019:i:c:1
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.112444
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christakis, Nicholas A., 1997. "The ellipsis of prognosis in modern medical thought," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 44(3), pages 301-315, February.
    2. Bourret, Pascale & Keating, Peter & Cambrosio, Alberto, 2011. "Regulating diagnosis in post-genomic medicine: Re-aligning clinical judgment?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 73(6), pages 816-824, September.
    3. Timmermans, Stefan & Stivers, Tanya, 2018. "Clinical forecasting: Towards a sociology of prognosis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 218(C), pages 13-20.
    4. Jutel, Annemarie & Nettleton, Sarah, 2011. "Towards a sociology of diagnosis: Reflections and opportunities," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 73(6), pages 793-800, September.
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