A formal model for diagnostic problem solving is proposed which comprises a goal block and an operational block in short-term memory, together with an environment information block and a psychoinformation block in long-term memory.

Problem solving is an important managerial task. Nevertheless, it is not frequently studied independently of a specific task domain. Thus, the objective of this paper is a discussion of domain independent problem solving concepts and strategies. The paper argues for the similarity of problems based on type rather than domain, in order to establish a set of type specific solution principles which are applicable independent of the problem domain. Conclusions are drawn from a variety of disciplines, including management, information systems, medicine and engineering. Problem types are formulated based on information requirements. One problem type, diagnosis, is discussed in more detail, with a special focus on generic solution principles.

Doctors suspect an infection based on the person's symptoms, physical examination results, and risk factors. First, doctors confirm that the person has an infection rather than another type of illness. For example, a person with a cough and difficulty breathing may have pneumonia (a lung infection). However, the person may instead have asthma or heart failure, which are not caused by infection. In such a person, a chest x-ray can help doctors distinguish pneumonia from the other possible disorders.

Once doctors confirm that the person has an infection, they usually need to know which specific microorganism is causing the infection. Many different microorganisms can cause a given infection. For example, pneumonia can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or, rarely, fungi. The treatment is different for each microorganism.

Many different types of laboratory tests can identify microorganisms. Laboratory tests use a sample of blood, urine, sputum, or other fluid or tissue from the body. This sample may be

• Stained and examined under a microscope
• Cultured (placed in conditions that encourage the growth of microorganisms)
• Tested for antibodies (molecules produced by the person's immune system in response to the microorganism)
• Tested for a microorganism's antigens (molecules from the microorganism that can trigger an immune response in the body)
• Tested for genetic material (such as DNA or RNA) from the microorganism

Media Contact:

Allison Grey
Journal Manager
Journal of Infectious Diseases and Diagnosis
Email: jidd@microbialjournals.com