We develop a system dynamics model of diagnostic problem solving drawing onobservation of doctors handling a medical emergency. The model links interpretation and choice, usually separated in the sensemaking and decision making literatures. Three insights emerge: (1) diagnostic problem solving includes acting, interpreting, and cultivating diagnoses; (2) dynamic feedback among these processes opens and closes windows of adaptive problem solving; and (3) reinforcing feedback processes, usually considered dysfunctional, are essential for adaptive problem solving. We discuss implications for improving theory and diagnostic problem solving in practice.
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