New research from a group of Yale physicians sheds light on the clinical reasoning strategies used by expert clinicians in handling complex medical cases.
The team, led by Joseph Donroe, MD, MPH, associate professor of medicine (general medicine), selected 14 clinicians to interview based on recognition of their expertise by trainees and faculty.
The interviews were thematically analyzed, revealing four key strategies:
- Tailoring clinical reasoning to the patient's specific context;
- Acknowledging and then reducing uncertainty;
- Returning to the patient bedside; and
- Maintaining humility.
The authors highlight that incorporating these techniques could enhance clinical reasoning skills among physicians and potentially reduce diagnostic errors in complex cases.
To learn more, read the article: “Clinical Reasoning: Perspectives of Expert Clinicians on Reasoning Through Complex Clinical Cases.”
Donroe J H, Egger E, Soares S, et al. (January 05, 2024) Clinical Reasoning: Perspectives of Expert Clinicians on Reasoning Through Complex Clinical Cases. Cureus 16(1): e51696. doi:10.7759/cureus.51696