Cognition and Decision Making in the Real World

Theoretical constructs and theories applied in experiments in decision making have challenges, when applied to actual healthcare, where data and time are limited. This chapter describes some alternative decision making theories that can be applied in the messy “real” world of healthcare professionals. The chapter covers several cognitive processes such as sensemaking and team reflection that are relevant to healthcare simulation and its use for system improvements. The chapter explores how these models can inform simulation practice in terms of design, conduct, and debriefing. It also describes how simulation can be used to analyze meta-cognitive processes