Cognitive Biases and Errors in Radiation Therapy

摘要

Purpose To describe common cognitive biases that can lead to radiation therapy errors. Methods A review of the literature was performed using PubMed and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. Textbooks, popular literature, and internet resources also were evaluated for their relevance to radiation therapy. Results Several common cognitive biases can lead to radiation therapy errors, including automaticity, inattentional blindness, illusion of attention, and illusion of knowledge. Discussion Cognitive biases can manifest in radiation therapy in many ways. Radiation therapists should be aware of these biases so that they can employ interventions to minimize the risk of errors. Conclusion Human error can result in treatment mis administration and near misses. One cause of human error is cognitive bias. Radiation therapists can take actions to reduce the risk of error caused by cognitive biases.