Learning clinical reasoning skills during the transition from a medical graduate to a junior doctor

Dilmini Karunaratne (Lead / Corresponding author), Madawa Chandratilake, Kosala Marambe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
119 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The literature confirms the challenges of learning clinical reasoning experienced by junior doctors during their transition into the workplace. This study was conducted to explore junior doctors experiences of clinical reasoning development and recognise the necessary adjustments required to improve the development of clinical reasoning skills.

METHODS: A hermeneutic phenomenological study was conducted using multiple methods of data collection, including semi-structured and narrative interviews (n=18) and post-consultation discussions (n=48). All interviews and post-consultation discussions were analysed to generate themes and identify patterns and associations to explain the dataset.

RESULTS: During the transition, junior doctors’ approach to clinical reasoning changed from a ‘disease-oriented’ to a ‘practice- oriented’ approach, giving rise to the ‘Practice-oriented clinical skills development framework’ helpful in developing clinical reasoning skills. The freedom to reason within a supportive work environment, the trainees’ emotional commitment to patient care, and their early integration into the healthcare team were identified as particularly supportive. The service-oriented nature of the internship, the interrupted supervisory relationships, and early exposure to acute care settings posed challenges for learning clinical reasoning. These findings highlighted the clinical teachers' role, possible teaching strategies, and the specific changes required at the system level to develop clinical reasoning skills among junior doctors.

CONCLUSION: The ‘Practice-oriented clinical skills development framework’ is a valuable reference point for clinical teachers to facilitate the development of clinical reasoning skills among junior doctors. In addition, this research has provided insights into the responsibilities of clinical teachers, teaching strategies, and the system-related changes that may be necessary to facilitate this process.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5-17
Number of pages13
JournalThe Asia Pacific Scholar
Volume9
Issue number2
Early online date5 Jan 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Apr 2024

Keywords

  • Clinical Reasoning
  • Hermeneutic Phenomenology
  • Junior Doctor Transition
  • Medical Decision Making
  • Medical Graduates
  • Qualitative Research

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Reviews and References, Medical
  • Education
  • Health Professions (miscellaneous)

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