Cognitive Dissonance in Health Care

A 1-credit course exploring cognitive dissonance and its impact on clinical decision-making and patient care in healthcare settings.

Mental Health

David Traster

Level:

Integrator

Credit Hours:

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Course Description

Cognitive Dissonance plays a significant role in how both clinicians and patients process information and make decisions. In this session, David Traster explores how conflicting beliefs can influence clinical reasoning, patient behavior, and treatment outcomes. Participants will examine how cognitive biases and dissonance can lead to resistance, misunderstanding, or suboptimal decision-making in healthcare settings. The lecture highlights strategies for improving communication, addressing conflicting beliefs, and supporting behavior change. By understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying decision-making, clinicians can enhance patient engagement and improve the effectiveness of care.

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What you’ll learn:

Understand the concept of cognitive dissonance in healthcare.
Recognize how conflicting beliefs influence decision-making.
Identify cognitive biases affecting clinicians and patients.
Explore communication strategies for addressing dissonance.
Apply psychological insights to improve patient outcomes.

Components

Educational Syllabus

Topic 1 – Foundations of Cognitive Processing
- An introduction to how the brain processes information and forms beliefs.
Topic 2 – Understanding Cognitive Dissonance
- Explore Cognitive Dissonance and its psychological basis.
Topic 3 – Cognitive Bias and Clinical Decision-Making
- Examine how biases and conflicting information influence clinical reasoning.
Topic 4 – Patient Beliefs and Behavior
- Understand how patient perceptions and beliefs affect healthcare outcomes.
  Topic 5 – Communication and Behavior Change
- Review strategies for addressing conflicting beliefs in clinical interactions.
Topic 6 – Clinical Applications in Healthcare Practic
- Discover how understanding cognitive dissonance can improve patient engagement and clinical outcomes.

Venue, Hotels & Schedule

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Also includes

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Months Medline Access

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Months of Access to Complete the course (from the date of purchase)

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Ability to resubscribe to keep access after

months*

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Eligibility for Neurology Fellowship and Diplomate Examinations after the completion of 300+ hours of study

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Certificate of Completion

Not available for courses purchased during the May 2026 50% off Retirement Sale