In a medical crisis, what does "task fixation" refer to?

In a medical crisis, "task fixation" refers to the tendency to concentrate excessively on one specific procedure or task, often to the detriment of overall team coordination and the larger context of patient care. This phenomenon can lead to missed opportunities for collaboration, communication, and resource allocation that are crucial in high-pressure situations.

When a team member becomes fixated on a single aspect of care—such as performing a procedure—they might overlook other important tasks or fail to communicate effectively with teammates. This can compromise patient safety and the effectiveness of the team's response to the crisis. Task fixation emphasizes the need for situational awareness and teamwork, highlighting that while proficiency in specific tasks is essential, maintaining a broader perspective is equally important in emergency settings.