Relationship between diagnostic accuracy and self-confidence among medical students when using Google search: A mixed-method study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

With the growing volume of medical information, proficiency in utilizing clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) is increasingly important for physicians. Further, research has primarily focused on CDSSs' accuracy for specific symptoms, diseases, and treatments, but the extent to which CDSSs contribute to the clinical reasoning process and evaluation of their output remains unclear. While Google is not a traditional CDSS, previous studies have evaluated its role as a diagnostic support tool, demonstrating its ability to assist physicians in retrieving relevant medical information and influencing diagnostic decision-making.

Objective

This study aimed to assess whether using Google search can enhance diagnostic accuracy and confidence among medical students, and t

SUBMITTER: Yanagita Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12448958 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature