Display and nature of cognitive biases in medicine

Abstract

This article has the goal to analyze the kind of “idols of the mind” (F. Bacon) may manifest them­selves in the field of medicine. The history of medicine provides many examples of diagnostics and treatment methods, which nowadays are recognized not just erroneous, but not withstanding any criticism from the point of view of correctness of diseases diagnoses and the  medicines and procedures used to get rid of them, the opinion is expressed that B. van Fraassen’s constructive empiricism describes the historical development of medicine closer to the real one than other con­cepts of reconstruction of natural-scientific knowledge. Attention is drawn to the complex condi­tions of the physician’s work, associated with the factors of uncertainty and limited time associated with the establishment of diagnoses, which can lead to irreversible consequences in the course of medical intervention. It is highlighted that significant proportion of medical errors and biases are cognitive in nature. An analysis of such errors and biases is given, they are understood in terms of methodological principles of science. Some ways to minimize them are suggested. Particular em­phasis is placed on the need for physicians and health professionals to develop analytical thinking to complement their experience and reliance on intuitive judgment, which often arises in emer­gency situations and initial diagnosis. The importance of checklists in routine medical activities is emphasized in order to avoid errors in decision-making at certain stages of medical intervention.