Ontology, Cognitive Models, and Philosophical Aspects of Healthcare Engineering

Cognitive engineering is mainly focused on the manner in which humans can cope and master the complexity of processes and technological environments. In the health sector, cognitive engineering research is aimed at supporting safe and effective performance, characterization of complexities in the environment, and understanding the demands of providers, thereby setting a foundation for the prevention of medical errors. Understanding the demands on providers, the strategies that they often use to meet those demands, and the role of information from different sources and technologies in work practice is vital in designing new information systems that can enhance patient care. The main objective of cardiothoracic surgery is to support safe and effective human performance, thereby preventing medical errors. The paper provides an overview of the manner in which strategies that are derived from cognitive engineering research can be introduced in cardiothoracic surgery practice, thereby enhancing patient safety and outcomes.