Cognitive Bias: The Downside of Shared Decision Making

Area of Science:

• Medical decision-making
• Cognitive psychology
• Health communication

Background:

• Patient treatment choices are complex and influenced by numerous factors.
• Cognitive biases, systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, are increasingly recognized in healthcare settings.
• Understanding these biases is essential for improving patient outcomes and the quality of care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review theoretical and empirical evidence of common cognitive biases affecting patient treatment choices.
• To provide cancer-specific examples of how cognitive biases manifest in clinical practice.
• To explore the implications of cognitive biases for shared decision-making in healthcare.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature.
• Synthesis of theoretical frameworks and empirical studies on cognitive biases.
• Analysis of information presentation effects on patient decision-making.

Main Results:

• Cognitive biases significantly and subconsciously influence patient treatment choices.
• The timing and framing of information presentation are key factors in triggering these biases.
• Even well-intentioned healthcare providers and family members can inadvertently introduce bias.

Conclusions:

• Shared decision-making, while ideal, is vulnerable to cognitive biases.
• Minimizing the impact of cognitive biases is essential for supporting patients in making informed treatment decisions.
• Future efforts should focus on strategies to mitigate bias and enhance patient autonomy.