Fixation Errors

Faulty reevaluation, inadequate plan adaptation, or loss of situation awareness can result in a type of human error termed a fixation error.^{[89] [160]} A fixation error is the persistent failure to revise a diagnosis or plan in the face of readily available evidence that suggests that a revision is necessary. This type of error is extremely common in dynamic situations. There are three main types of fixation errors,^{[89] [160]} which are shown in Table 83-5 .

Fixation errors have been described by all the investigators conducting experimental studies of anesthetist responses to abnormal situations.^{[76] [130] [131] [133]}