Contextual factors and use of heuristics in the care of critically ill patients by intensivists during the COVID-19 pandemic: a quasi-experimental vignette study in Chile

Key Points

• This research aims to explore how contextual factors influence the decision-making of intensivists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Quasi-experimental design using vignette scenarios
• Participants included intensivists in Chile
• Analysis of decision-making patterns under varying contextual influences
• High variability in intensivists' decision-making observed.
• Specific contextual factors influenced the use of heuristics.
• Statu quo and availability heuristics were notably utilized under certain conditions.