The Dual Nature of Decision-Making in Medical Education

In the last of our 6-part series on Clinical Reasoning with Dr Nicola Cooper, we discuss metacognition, reflection, and how it influences our decision making. 

Whilst knowledge definitely matters in diagnosing and managing cases, research in psychology shows other things matter too. As well as motivation (including empathy), mood, ambient conditions and cognitive style has a significant impact – our tendency to look for evidence, weigh things up, be aware of context, have a healthy scepticism about other people’s diagnoses, and think about our own thinking. While some people are naturally good at this, others are not. 

BUT... these are skills that can be cultivated by the way we teach/supervise during case-based learning! Listen here to find out more...