Home health nurses' use of base rate information in diagnostic reasoning.

This survey examined home health nurses' use of base rate data when diagnosing and explored the influence of education and experience on the use of base rate data. The relationships between education and experience and normatively appropriate diagnoses were also examined. Two hundred and fourteen nurses completed the Clinical Inference Vignettes, which included four diagnostic problems relevant to home health care nursing. Data analysis indicated an association between the use of base rate information and education and experience. Education and experience also influenced normatively correct responses. Recommendations include methods to increase awareness of base rate information, thereby improving diagnostic precision and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.