What is the meaning of bias in a medical context?

In a medical context, bias refers to the tendency to favor certain outcomes, treatments, or diagnoses over others without a basis in sound judgment or evidence. This can affect clinical decision-making and patient care, potentially leading to suboptimal outcomes. Bias can originate from personal beliefs, stereotypes, or previous experiences, and it may result in a lack of objectivity when assessing patient needs or responses to treatment.

The other options do not align with the definition of bias. Providing care based on established protocols and maintaining neutrality with patients indicate a level of professionalism and adherence to ethical standards, which counteracts bias rather than exemplifying it. Similarly, following guidelines without question implies adherence to best practices and consensus-based evidence, which helps to mitigate bias in healthcare decisions.