Human factors in accidents. 1987

What Do Physicians Believe About the Way Decisions Are Made? A Pilot Study on Metacognitive Knowledge in the Medical Context

Metacognition relative to medical decision making has been poorly investigated to date. However, beliefs about methods of decision making (metacognition) play a fundamental role in determining the efficiency of the decision itself. In the present study, we investigated a set of beliefs that physicians develop in relation to the modes of making decisions in a professional environment. The Solomon Questionnaire, designed to assess metacognitive knowledge about behaviors and mental processes involved in decision making, was administered to a sample of 18 emergency physicians, 18 surgeons, and 18 internists. Significant differences in metacognitive knowledge emerged among these three medical areas. Physicians' self-reports about the decision process mirrored the peculiarities of the context in which they operate. Their metacognitive knowledge demonstrated a reflective attitude that is an effective tool during the decision making process.

What Do Physicians Believe About the Way Decisions Are Made? A Pilot Study on Metacognitive Knowledge in the Medical Context

Metacognition relative to medical decision making has been poorly investigated to date. However, beliefs about methods of decision making (metacognition) play a fundamental role in determining the efficiency of the decision itself. In the present study, we investigated a set of beliefs that physicians develop in relation to the modes of making decisions in a professional environment. The Solomon Questionnaire, designed to assess metacognitive knowledge about behaviors and mental processes involved in decision making, was administered to a sample of 18 emergency physicians, 18 surgeons, and 18 internists. Significant differences in metacognitive knowledge emerged among these three medical areas. Physicians' self-reports about the decision process mirrored the peculiarities of the context in which they operate. Their metacognitive knowledge demonstrated a reflective attitude that is an effective tool during the decision making process.

Evaluation of a pulmonary graphical display in the medical intensive care unit: An observational study

We developed a pulmonary graphic display that depicts pulmonary physiological variables for intubated, mechanically ventilated patients in a graphical format. The pulmonary graphical display presents multiple respiratory variables and changes are depicted by alterations in shape and color. Learning how this new technology will be integrated and accepted by users is an important step before it is introduced into the clinical arena. This study observed use and acceptance of the pulmonary graphical display by health care providers in an intensive care unit. Investigators noted that physicians, respiratory therapists, and nurses observed the pulmonary graphical display on average six, three, and one times, respectively, per patient room entry. Based on questionnaires, the pulmonary graphical display was perceived as useful, a desirable addition to current ICU monitors, and an accurate representation of respiratory variables.