Enhancing bias awareness through co-designed simulation-based education: A qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Patient Safety
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Cognitive biases are predictable judgment deviations impacting healthcare.
• Educational interventions are crucial for mitigating bias and preventing adverse patient safety events.
• Co-designed simulation enhances learning authenticity and experience sharing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how healthcare professionals and students develop understanding and awareness of cognitive biases.
• To examine the impact of a co-designed simulation activity on participants' reflections and learning.

Main Methods:

• Participatory action research utilized to co-design simulation-based education.
• Qualitative interpretivist lens applied to explore understanding of cognitive bias.
• Thematic analysis of audio-recorded debriefs from four simulation occurrences.

Main Results:

• Five themes emerged: authentic learning, the human element of bias, health intersections, contributing factors, and management strategies.
• Participants engaged in meaningful reflection on cognitive bias.
• Simulation involved 20 healthcare professionals and 2 nursing students.

Conclusions:

• Co-designed simulations effectively facilitate reflection on cognitive bias.
• Understanding and managing cognitive bias is essential for healthcare decision-making and patient safety.