Medical Heuristics and Cognitive Decision Errors: Modeling Thought Processes Through an Integrative Curriculum

Abstract

OPEN ACCESSMarch 20, 2013Medical Heuristics and Cognitive Decision Errors: Modeling Thought Processes Through an Integrative Curriculum William F. Paolo, MD William F. Paolo, MD State University of New York Upstate Medical University Google Scholar More articles by this author https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.9375 SectionsAboutAbstract ToolsDownload Citations ShareFacebookTwitterEmail AbstractAbstractEmergency medicine (EM) residents are forced to make patient care decisions based upon incomplete probabilistic information and prior experience. Heuristics are a useful cognitive tool via which limited information is processed and cognitive solutions are rapidly identified. However, the inappropriate unconscious dependence on these cognitive shortcuts often leads to decision errors due to the inability to recognize the biasing influence of mental processing. The goal of this educational resource is the implementation of multi-layered curriculum through which EM residents learn the basics of heuristic decision-making as well as the associated cognitive errors. The target audience is EM residents of all levels. The curriculum has three essential components that are complimentary to one another. The curriculum is administered over 5 hours that are divided into three 30-minute introductory lectures, 1 hour of simulation, a written posttest, and a final 1-hour simulation. Necessary equipment includes PowerPoint capabilities and a simulation laboratory. The curriculum has been previously used by approximately 30 emergency medicine residents ranging in PGY year from 1–3. The curriculum has been met with success and has been well-received. Educational Objectives By the end of this module, the learner will be able to: Identify common cognitive errors.Demonstrate an understanding of the basics of cognitive decision theory. Sign up for the latest publications from MedEdPORTAL Add your email below FILES INCLUDEDReferencesRelatedDetails FILES INCLUDED Included in this publication: Case 1.docx Case 2.docx Instructor's Guide.docx Lecture 1.pptx Lecture 2.pptx Lecture 3.pptx Test.docx To view all publication components, extract (i.e., unzip) them from the downloaded .zip file. Download editor’s noteThis publication may contain technology or a display format that is no longer in use. Copyright & Permissions© 2013 Paolo. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution license.KeywordsDecision TheoryHeuristics Disclosures None to report. Funding/Support None to report. Loading ...