Ten misconceptions regarding decision-making in critical care

Table 1 Comparison of system 1 and system 2 thinking

	System 1	System 2
Basis for decisions	Heuristics, Pattern Recognition	Logical, analytical
Activation	Default system	Activated when needed (e.g., atypical or complex presentation)
Speed	Efficient, time sparing	Rigorous, time-consuming
Optimal use	Familiar situations	Unfamiliar or uncertain situations
Role of information	Limited information required	Information required to minimize uncertainty
Role of experience	Relies on prior training and experience	Relies on the pursuit of new knowledge/information
	Efficiency and accuracy improve with experience	Provides useable tools for novices
Limitations	Susceptible to cognitive biases	Accuracy is dependent on effort and time
		Increases cognitive load
	Not reliable for novices	Less useful in stressful events

The table was adapted from Hartigan et al[36] and Lighthall et al[75].