BIAS, FATIGUE AND OTHER FACTORS AS POTENTIAL SOURCE OF ERRORS IN MEDICAL PRACTICE AND FORENSIC MEDICINE

M. Rudnay, P. Kováč

Abstract: Confirmation bias is cognitive tendency to favor, information that supports or is in accordance with one’s existing beliefs in process of acquisition or evaluation. This cognitive fallacy is common in everyday decision decision-making including among experts and professionals. Decision making forms a substantial part of work process in different medical specialties. Particularly in diagnostic disciplines preliminary information about case can significantly impact medical professional’s judgment. This can affect patient outcome, and in alleged malpractice cases have legal consequences for medical practitioners.
This paper examines various cognitive and physiological factors that can contribute to errors in medical practice. It also discusses strategies to mitigate these biases and improve decision-making processes.
Keywords: bias, confirmation bias, cognitive fallacy, decision making, fatigue, medical practice, forensic medicine, expert witness.