Cognitive Bias and Dissonance in Surgical Practice: A Narrative Review

AUTHORS

Richburg CE , Dossett LA , Hughes TM , . The Surgical clinics of North America. ; 103(2). 271-285

PMID: 36948718 [PubMed].

ABSTRACT

A cognitive bias describes “shortcuts” subconsciously applied to new scenarios to simplify decision-making. Unintentional introduction of cognitive bias in surgery may result in surgical diagnostic error that leads to delayed surgical care, unnecessary procedures, intraoperative complications, and delayed recognition of postoperative complications. Data suggest that surgical error secondary to the introduction of cognitive bias results in significant harm. Thus, debiasing is a growing area of research which urges practitioners to deliberately slow decision-making to reduce the effects of cognitive bias.

Tags: alumni publications 2022