Cognitive schema and naturalistic decision making in evidence-based practices

Area of Science:

• Decision Science
• Cognitive Psychology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Classical decision theory faces challenges in real-world applications.
• A naturalistic approach emphasizes cognitive processes and expert reasoning.
• Disseminating evidence-based practices (EBPs) remains a significant challenge in healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose Image Theory as a naturalistic, multi-level framework for understanding and facilitating EBP implementation.
• To explore the utility of Image Theory in medical decision research, an area where it has not been previously applied.
• To identify how Image Theory can help overcome barriers to adopting EBPs.

Main Methods:

• Review and adaptation of Image Theory, a framework from other disciplines, for medical decision-making.
• Analysis of cognitive and organizational processes involved in decision-making and task execution.
• Examination of how Image Theory can describe impediments to EBP implementation.

Main Results:

• Image Theory offers empirically tested distinctions crucial for understanding decision-making complexities.
• The theory provides a valuable lens for identifying specific barriers to implementing EBPs.
• It highlights the interplay between cognitive and organizational factors in practice adoption.

Conclusions:

• Image Theory can significantly facilitate the dissemination of evidence-based practices (EBPs).
• This naturalistic framework aids in balancing evidence-based medicine with patient-centered care.
• Clinicians, administrators, researchers, and policymakers can leverage Image Theory for better decision support.