Clinical Inertia Remains a Problem

Excerpt

Described by Isaac Newton in the 1600s, the principle of inertia is one of the fundamental principles of physics and refers to the resistance of an object to change. Applying this principle to the realm of medicine, clinical inertia refers to the failure of healthcare providers to intervene when indicated. The term first used by Phillips et al.[1] at our institution describes the phenomenon that occurs when physicians do not intensify treatment when clinically indicated. Possible explanations for this phenomenon put forth by Phillips et al.[1] include an overestimation of care provided, the use of ‘soft’ reasons to justify nonintervention and a lack of understanding of appropriate clinical guidelines. Some contend that clinical inertia does not adequately represent the complexity of the physician-patient encounter.[2] While inertia implies a failure on the part of the physician to act in patients’ best interest, in actuality, physicians are actively prioritizing the competing demands of patient concerns and symptomatic problems.[2] Reducing this interaction to a checklist of interventions indicated by clinical guidelines minimizes the multifaceted interplay that is the primary care visit. …