To the Editor: I read with interest the recent article by Hugh and Tracy on hindsight bias in medicolegal expert reports.1 As they themselves admit, "the very seeking of an expert opinion usually indicates that there has been an adverse outcome". In my experience, the unfortunate outcome can usually be predicted within reading the first few paragraphs of the brief. I do not think withholding information on outcome would prevent the occasional use of the "retrospectoscope".
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- 1. Hugh TB, Tracy GD. Hindsight bias in medicolegal expert reports. Med J Aust 2002; 176: 277-278. <eMJA full text>
- 2. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines for the evaluation and management of chronic heart failure in the adult: executive summary. Circulation 2001; 104: 2996-3007.
- 3. Clinical exercise stress testing. Safety and performance guidelines. The Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand. Med J Aust 1996; 164: 282-284.