Atallah F, Hamm RF, Davidson CM, Combs CA. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Cognitive bias and medical error in obstetrics-challenges and opportunities.
Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022;
227:B2-B10. [PMID:
35487325 DOI:
10.1016/j.ajog.2022.04.033]
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Abstract
The processes of diagnosis and management involve clinical decision-making. However, decision-making is often affected by cognitive biases that can lead to medical errors. This statement presents a framework of clinical thinking and decision-making and shows how these processes can be bias-prone. We review examples of cognitive bias in obstetrics and introduce debiasing tools and strategies. When an adverse event or near miss is reviewed, the concept of a cognitive autopsy-a root cause analysis of medical decision-making and the potential influence of cognitive biases-is promoted as part of the review process. Finally, areas for future research on cognitive bias in obstetrics are suggested.
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