Introduction

Sound clinical decision making is the foundation for optimal patient management. Clinicians are forced to make many decisions under uncertainty on a daily basis. The majority of these decisions are made using heuristics - simple cognitive short-cuts that help us make decisions quickly and mostly accurately. But heuristics are also prone to error or what is otherwise known as cognitive bias. Considering the impact our decisions have on the lives of our patients, it is imperative to understand what heuristics are and which cognitive biases inform our own decision making. By reflecting on our own cognitive biases, we are able to engage strategies to mitigate (debias) them and provide better, more effective care to our patients.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• select an appropriate definition for heuristics and cognitive biases
• identify the impact that heuristics and cognitive biases have on our clinical decision making
• accurately assess the impact that nine heuristics and cognitive biases have on clinical decisions based on a case scenario
• identify six appropriate cognitive debiasing strategies to mitigate against heuristics and cognitive bias.

Target audience

This course is aimed at Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy clinicians, students and assistants. Other interested professionals such as athletic trainers, occupational therapists, nurses or medical doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 1.5-2 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 1.4 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

No relevant relationships disclosed by instructor.

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.