Decision making Quote by Robert Wachter
““Mistakes, on the other hand, result from incorrect choices. Rather than blundering into them while we are distracted, we usually make mistakes because of insufficient knowledge, lack of experience or training, inadequate information (or inability to interpret available information properly), or applying the wrong set of rules or algorithms to a decision””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Digital Doctor, Robert Wachter, 2015
Mistakes arise from knowledge gaps, inexperience, or misapplied rules rather than mere distraction.
In simple terms: Mistakes stem from insufficient knowledge or wrong rules.
Key Takeaway
Seek knowledge, refine decision rules.
Themes
decision making
learning
error prevention
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
educational
practical
When to use this quote
- clinical practice
- software development
- financial analysis
- project planning
Key Concepts
Cognitive bias
knowledge management
system design
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you improve information interpretation?
- What training reduces rule misapplication?
A Different Perspective
Complex problems may still produce errors despite best knowledge.
![“We have Dragon [dictation software],” one primary care doctor said, “which you have to be careful of, because I just [dictated] ‘Patient’s prostate is bothering him’ and it turned out ‘Patient’s prostitute is bothering him.” quote by Robert Wachter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/092/robert-wachter-32426_medicine_we-have-dragon-dictation-software-one-pr_1302192.jpg)
