Published in the Journal of Pain. Here is a link to the article.
Regenstrief Institute authors: Kurt Kroenke, PhD
This study examined how physician cognitive load, patient race, and socioeconomic status (SES) influence pain treatment decisions. In a simulated task, physicians under high cognitive load (interrupted with calculations) and low cognitive load prescribed weaker pain medications to patients with higher SES compared to those with lower SES. An interaction between SES and cognitive load approached significance, suggesting cognitive load may exacerbate treatment disparities. These results highlight the importance of managing physician cognitive load to improve equitable pain care.
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