This means continuing one’s own practice and convictions, based on self-gained experience. This philosophy is not viewed in a pejorative way, considering the persistent controversies after decades and decades of debates.
There are three options available to apply scientific debates to our daily practice: intentional ignorance, standardized evidence based practice or alternative data mining approach.
Intentional ignorance in medicine, sometimes referred to as “willful blindness,” occurs when individuals in the medical field deliberately avoid acquiring or acknowledging certain knowledge. This phenomenon can manifest in various ways:
Ignoring Emerging Evidence: Healthcare professionals might avoid engaging with new research or evidence that challenges their current practices or beliefs. This can be due to comfort with established methods, resistance to change, or fear of having to alter their approaches.
Avoiding Difficult Conversations: Physicians might sidestep conversations about sensitive topics, such as end-of-life care or controversial treatments, to avoid discomfort or conflict with patients and families.
Neglecting Patient Symptoms: In some cases, practitioners might overlook or dismiss symptoms that don't fit neatly into their diagnostic framework, especially if acknowledging them would complicate their treatment plans or require more effort.
Cultural or Systemic Bias: Sometimes, intentional ignorance is a result of biases within the healthcare system, where certain populations receive less attention or care due to systemic prejudices.
Legal and Ethical Concerns: Professionals might ignore certain facts or avoid asking probing questions due to concerns about legal repercussions or ethical dilemmas.
Intentional ignorance can undermine patient care and hinder progress in medical science. Addressing it requires fostering a culture of openness, continuous learning, and self-reflection within the medical community.