Pre PACES Podcast #99 Clinical reasoning
10 snips
Oct 27, 2024 
Professor Nicola Cooper, a leading figure in medical education and co-author of the ABC of Clinical Reasoning, joins the conversation to illuminate the complexities of clinical reasoning. They delve into cognitive biases and common diagnostic pitfalls, stressing the need for systematic approaches in medical decision-making. The discussion highlights the critical distinction between intuitive and deliberative thinking in diagnosis, while emphasizing continuous learning as key to mastering clinical expertise. Listeners gain practical strategies to enhance their reasoning skills.
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What is Clinical Reasoning?
- Clinical reasoning is the thinking process where clinicians gather and interpret data to diagnose and treat patients.
- It involves memory, knowledge, problem-solving, and decision-making, and must be explicitly taught, not learned by osmosis.
Two Thinking Types in Diagnosis
- Clinical reasoning relies on two main thinking types: fast intuitive pattern recognition (type 1) and slow conscious analytical thinking (type 2).
- Experts use rich illness scripts in type 1 thinking for quick diagnosis, but less experienced clinicians risk cognitive biases when pattern recognizing incorrectly.
Consultant's Rapid Diagnostic Insight
- Dr Sam recalls a consultant swiftly identifying a paradoxical embolus and ordering the correct test instantly.
- This highlights how experts’ illness scripts enable effortless and rapid decision-making.
