Cognitive Debiasing: Learning to "Change Your Mind"

Cognitive biases are flaws in our decision-making processes, often leading to negative outcomes. These biases, if not addressed, can block much-needed change efforts, including those addressing moral distress, burnout, and unhealthy work environments. Resistance to change is a common problem in nursing and health care in general. We often cling tightly to our policies, precedent, and hierarchical structures, preferring the comfort of familiarity over the benefits of change. This article describes the use of cognitive debiasing strategies to effectively "change our mind" about long-held traditions, beliefs, and/or cultural norms.