Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Cognitive bias and medical error in obstetrics—challenges and opportunities - 20/07/22
Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM)⁎
Fouad Atallah, MD, Rebecca F. Hamm, MD, MSCE, Christina M. Davidson, MD, C. Andrew Combs, MD, PhDPatient Safety and Quality Committee
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.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Key words : decision-making, diagnostic error, disparities, implicit bias, inequity, medical error, racism
Plan
All authors and Committee members have filed a disclosure of interests delineating personal, professional, business, or other relevant financial or nonfinancial interests in relation to this publication. Any substantial conflicts of interest have been addressed through a process approved by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) Board of Directors. SMFM has neither solicited nor accepted any commercial involvement in the specific content development of this publication. |
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This document has undergone an internal peer review through a multilevel committee process within SMFM. This review involves critique and feedback from the SMFM Patient Safety and Quality and Document Review Committees and final approval by the SMFM Executive Committee. SMFM accepts sole responsibility for the document content. SMFM publications do not undergo editorial and peer review by the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. The SMFM Patient Safety and Quality Committee reviews publications every 36 to 48 months and issues updates as needed. Further details regarding SMFM publications can be found at publications. |
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SMFM recognizes that obstetrical patients have diverse gender identities and is striving to use gender-inclusive language in all of its publications. SMFM will be using the terms “pregnant person” and “pregnant individual” instead of “pregnant woman” and the singular pronoun “they.” When describing study populations used in research, SMFM will use the gender terminology reported by the study investigators. |
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Reprints will not be available. |
Vol 227 - N° 2
P. B2-B10 - août 2022 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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