Doctors and decision fatigue

As doctors got more fatigued, they defaulted to the easy thing: just writing an antibiotic prescription rather than taking the time to explain to patients why it is not necessary. As the day went on, doctors’ fears of disappointed, dissatisfied, angry or confrontational patients may have loomed larger and larger. If doctors were paid based on the quality of care we delivered instead of face-to-face visits, clinics and health systems might make sure that doctors and patients at the end of the day have more effective reminders about follow-ups, more support staff or even longer visits.

Source: www.nytimes.com