attention

Introduction

Ability to sustain focused thought on a particular stimulus or activity

• neural pathways from the reticular-activating system in the brainstem to the intralaminar nuclei of the thalamus to the cerebral cortex constitute the attentional matrix.
• these pathways play a role in alertness, response to stimuli & directed attention
• the prefrontal, posterior parietal & medial temporal cortex (bilaterally) are most involved in general attention
  • the right parietal cortex is dominant for spatially-directed attention
• acetylcholine, dopamine & serotonin are the most important neurotransmitters involved in attentional pathways
• brainstem neural pathways regulating sleep & arousal overlap with those for attention
• norepinephrine associated with projections of the locus ceruleus plays a role in vigilance or arousal

Clinical significance

• attention allows clinicians to be receptive to new information & open to the needs of others
• attention helps clinicians provide safe, high-quality care
  • vigilance for deterioration of high-risk patients
  • interacting with technology that informs care decisions through clinical decision support
• effective communication patterns & workflow can diminish cognitive load & facilitate attention

Complications

• human capacity for attention is limited, mental resources can be overwhelmed
• cognitive load theory provides a framework for understanding human capacity for attention
• lack of sleep, exercise, burnout, or unnecessary distractions can deplete cognitive resources for attention
• interruptions, task switching, & multitasking can increase cognitive load & diminish attention

More general terms

• cognition (intelligence)

Additional terms

• attention assessment
• attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• inattention (poor concentration, attention disorder)