A Proposed Systematic Approach to the Cognitive Autopsy for Internists

Cureus. 2022 Jan 5;14(1):e20965. doi: 10.7759/cureus.20965. eCollection 2022 Jan.

Abstract

The cognitive autopsy has been a proposed tool for physicians to evaluate misdiagnosis. However, prior iterations of this tool are cumbersome, not designed for the internist, and may cause users to isolate cognition from systems issues. A 10-point tool was created to be utilized individually or by a group when evaluating an adverse event. This could be used with Croskerry's 2020 "cognitive autopsy" or as a standalone tool for internists. We trialed this tool in large group formats and with individual residents; all reported an improved appreciation of the factors leading to poor outcomes and medical errors.

Keywords: cognition; cognitive error; diagnostic error; error; general internal medicine.