The words to use
- Steel-manning
- Stating the strongest version of the view you are about to reject. It shows the examiner your decision was chosen, not assumed.
- Boundary
- The point at which your decision would change, said out loud. "I'd decline, but if the X-ray showed disease, I'd think again."
- Safety-netting
- What you do after deciding: involve the right person, record the discussion, agree a review, and tell the patient what should bring them back.
- Proportionate escalation
- Raising a concern at the lowest level that can fix it, such as a private word or your manager, and going higher if that fails or the risk is serious.
