Cognitive biases in Mohs micrographic surgery.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Surgical Education

Background:

• Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) relies on precise decision-making.
• Surgeon fallibility in MMS can lead to clinical errors.
• The role of cognitive biases in MMS errors is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the influence of cognitive biases on heuristic decision-making in MMS.
• To identify specific cognitive biases affecting pre-operative, intraoperative, and reconstruction phases.
• To propose strategies for mitigating cognitive biases in Mohs surgeons.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of established cognitive biases.
• Application of bias concepts to MMS decision-making stages.
• Analysis of potential impact on clinical judgment and errors.

Main Results:

• Cognitive biases are relevant to heuristic decision-making in MMS.
• Biases can contribute to errors in clinical judgment during MMS.
• Metacognitive strategies can help mitigate bias.

Conclusions:

• Mohs surgeons should be aware of cognitive biases.
• Implementing bias mitigation strategies can enhance surgical performance.
• Reframing errors as learning opportunities promotes metacognition.