emDocs - April 12, 2016 - Author: O’Shea J - Edited by: Koyfman A & Bright J
"IN CONCLUSION
A knowledge of cognitive load theory can help the overburdened emergency physician reduce their cognitive load, free up space in their working memory, and become more effective and less stressed. In this article, I have introduced the concepts of intrinsic, extraneous and germane cognitive load, discussed them in the context of emergency medicine, and outlined sixteen simple strategies that emergency physicians can start using today. The work we do is uniquely challenging, and learning the knowledge and procedural skills to be an emergency physician is only the beginning of understanding how to do our job well. We should routinely seek out and apply knowledge and strategies from other branches of science to aid us in our work, and I believe that these strategies should be incorporated into our practice and the training of emergency medicine residents."