RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Hindsight bias, outcome knowledge and adaptive learning JF Quality and Safety in Health Care JO Qual Saf Health Care FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP ii46 OP ii50 DO 10.1136/qhc.12.suppl_2.ii46 VO 12 IS suppl 2 A1 K Henriksen A1 H Kaplan YR 2003 UL http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/12/suppl_2/ii46.abstract AB The ubiquitous nature of hindsight bias is a cause for concern for those engaged in investigations and retrospective analysis of medical error. Hindsight does not equal foresight. Investigations that are anchored to outcome knowledge run the risk of not capturing the complexities and uncertainties facing sharp end personnel and why their actions made sense at the time. Important lessons go unlearned if the exercise is simply to back track someone else’s decision landmarks. Outcome knowledge can also bias our thinking on the quality of the processes that led to the outcome. This paper examines the influence of outcome knowledge in relation to reconstructive memory and legal testimony, ways for reducing the impact of outcome knowledge, and an adaptive learning framework that places hindsight bias in a broader context of rapid updating of knowledge.