Diagnostic reasoning in primary care - Version 01
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Diagnostic reasoning in primary care across the transition of graduation in medicine
IRAS ID
202441
Contact name
Annamaria Borbala Nagy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sussex
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
BSMS/16/006/NAG, Sponsor Ref No.
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Clinical reasoning refers to a highly complex cognitive ability of clinicians to identify and manage a patient’s medical problems. It is an essential skill that lies in the heart of safe medical practice, however, how it develops is poorly understood. Historically, clinical reasoning has been viewed as a trait that naturally emerges over time. However, recently this view has been challenged, and experts now argue that clinical reasoning should be addressed in the medical curriculum.
The aim of this project is to improve our understanding of how medical students acquire clinical reasoning skills as they approach qualification and to explore how medical students may be better prepared for their transition into medical practice with respect to diagnostic skills.
5th year medical students from Brighton and Sussex Medical School and Foundation Year doctors will be filmed as they conduct routine diagnostic consultations at their General Practice placements in the Sussex and Surrey region. Afterwards, the students will be asked to review the video of their consultation together with the researcher and reflect upon their diagnostic reasoning and decision making. Thematic analysis will be used to identify common themes and explore the changes in diagnostic skills. The data collection will start in September 2016 and last until July 2017.
The data obtained through this qualitative study could help refine educational interventions targeting clinical reasoning skills at various stages of the medical training.
REC name
East of England - Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EE/0323
Date of REC Opinion
4 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion