Cognitive support: Optimizing performance and safety in complex environments
In fields where precision and speed are paramount, such as healthcare, aviation, and nuclear, cognitive assistance is an essential approach to improving performance and reducing errors. This article explores what cognitive assistance is, its importance, its benefits, and how it can be implemented effectively.
What is a cognitive aid?
A cognitive aid (CA) is defined as a resource designed to reduce the mental load of users in their environment, helping them to carry out tasks in teams and in all situations. These tools are designed to fit into the user's work environment, and need to be iteratively tested and adjusted to ensure they are adapted to field practices. In other words, a resource is not considered a cognitive aid by decree, but must prove its effectiveness.
Why are cognitive aids necessary?
- Limits of human cognitive abilities: Human cognitive abilities are limited and can be compromised by stress and fatigue.... It is an illusion to think that one can manage several tasks simultaneously, because the brain functions sequentially…
- Human error: Error is a normal occurrence, with each individual making 3 to 10 errors per hour. This frequency can increase by 30 to 50% in cases of fatigue or stress. Human error is a significant cause of incidents, even in routine situations…
- Task complexity: The situations we face are often complex, with cause-and-effect relationships that are not always obvious.
- Staff turnover: Staff shortages and team turnover, particularly in the healthcare sector, increase the risk of error and coordination difficulties.
How do cognitive aids improve performance?
Cognitive aids offer a structured approach to reasoning and decision-making, thereby reducing the impact of stress and fatigue. They help to:
- Reduce errors by preventing inappropriate actions or omissions.
- Confirm and reassess assumptions by guiding users in their approaches.
- Improve teamwork by facilitating the sharing and monitoring of a common action plan.
- Reduce variability in practices, thus harmonizing team actions.
- Delegate part of the mental workload, allowing professionals to focus on complex tasks.
Types of cognitive aids and their benefits
Cognitive aids can take various forms, including:
- Paper checklists: Inspired by aviation, these lists ensure that all steps of a procedure are followed.
- Emergency manuals: These manuals provide detailed guides for managing critical situations.
- Digital cognitive aids: Customizable digital tools can be used to improve technical performance and maintain skills over time....
The importance of implementing cognitive aids
Successful implementation of cognitive aids involves several key steps:
- Collaborative design: Involve end-users in the design of tools so that they are adapted to their environment.
- Training and practice: Training and practice are essential to become familiar with the use of cognitive aids and to optimize their effectiveness in the field.
- Integration into routine: The use of cognitive aids should be integrated into the daily routine, and not just reserved for emergency situations....
- Practice analysis: Practice analysis helps identify areas for improvement and ensure that cognitive aids are always appropriate.
Conclusion
Cognitive aids represent a significant advancement in how work is approached in complex and high-risk environments. They make it possible to compensate for human cognitive limitations, reduce errors, and improve performance and safety. Their implementation must be progressive, iterative, and integrated into daily practices, with a collective commitment to ensure their effectiveness and acceptance.
In doing so, organizations can create a safety culture that benefits both professionals and their clients or patients.
Discover our new white paper on a major tool in establishing a sustainable safety culture: cognitive aids in healthcare.
Among the essential non-technical skills for optimizing cooperation, coordination and communication within care teams, the use of cognitive aids is highlighted to help operators ensure reliable care.
This document was written in collaboration with Dr. Jean-Christophe CEJKA from MAX by MEDAE, an expert on the subject.
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