Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Cognitive bias and medical error in obstetrics-challenges and opportunities

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.

Automated summary

The processes of diagnosis and management in healthcare are often influenced by cognitive biases, leading to medical errors. This article presents a framework of clinical thinking and decision-making, highlighting the potential biases that can occur. Examples of cognitive bias in obstetrics are reviewed, along with debiasing tools and strategies. The concept of a cognitive autopsy, which involves analyzing medical decision-making and the impact of cognitive biases, is promoted for reviewing adverse events. Future research on cognitive bias in obstetrics is suggested.