Surgeons and cognitive processes.
BACKGROUND
The surgical mind is geared to make important decisions and perform highly skilled tasks. The aim of this review is to explore the cognitive processes that link these actions.


METHODS
The core of this review is derived from a literature search of a computer database (Medline).


CONCLUSIONS
The surgical image is one of action. However, the effective performance of surgery requires more than mere manual dexterity and it is evident that competent surgeons exhibit the cognitive traits that are held by all experts. The changes that are occurring in surgery indicate a need to place greater emphasis on the cognitive processes that underpin the practice of surgery. It is important that surgeons do not become victims of their own cult image.
Hall
J C
JC
Department of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. jchall@cyllene.uwa.edu.au
Ellis
C
C
Hamdorf
J
J
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003071:Cognition; D003657:Decision Making; D004501:Education, Medical; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D019300:Medical Errors; D010560:Personnel Selection; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology