[5] A distinction can be drawn between watchful waiting and medical observation,[6] but some sources equate the terms.
In contrast, medical observation is usually an inpatient process, often involving frequent or even continuous monitoring and may have a duration of hours or days.
Watchful waiting is often recommended for many common illnesses such as ear infections in children;[9] because the majority of cases resolve spontaneously, antibiotics will often be prescribed only after several days of symptoms.
It is also a strategy frequently used in surgery prior to a possible operation,[10] when it is possible for a symptom (for example abdominal pain) to either improve naturally or become worse.
Other examples include: In many applications, a key component of watchful waiting is the use of an explicit decision tree or other protocol to ensure a timely transition from watchful waiting to another form of management, as needed.