The Role of Checklists in Complex Tasks

Checklists serve a vital function in ensuring attention to detail in complex and high-stakes environments like surgery and aviation. Atul Gawande's research showcased that surgeons who use checklists significantly reduce preventable errors, such as leaving sponges inside a patient's body. The effectiveness of checklists has led to their adoption by organizations, including the World Health Organization, to improve safety and outcomes. However, while checklists can enhance performance in routine tasks, they may detract from creative problem-solving in fields requiring judgment.