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I’m Not the Doctor for You: Cognitive Bias, Complex Illness, and a Moral Imperative

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Cognitive Bias and the Treatment of Complex Illnesses: A Reflection on Substance Use Disorder and Long COVID. Physicians use anchoring and confirmation bias every day to make snap decisions about patient care. However, in the case of poorly understood complex illness, cognitive bias can lead to poor outcomes for the patient. This article explores how recognizing and overcoming cognitive bias leads to increased personal career satisfaction, and improved patient outcomes. In an era where health disparities are increasingly recognized, and in the post-COVID era in particular, there's a need to recognize cognitive bias against complex illnesses such as Long COVID and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It may even be a moral imperative.

Source: Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health

DOI: 10.1177/27536130241311594

Author: Carla P. Kuon

Institution: University of California, San Francisco

Language: English

Topic: Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostic Skills

Subfield: Family Practice

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W4406169800

FWCI:

Cites: 12

Cited by:

Related to: 10