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Clinical Reasoning Process

Nathalie Caire Fon

The course introduces the clinical reasoning process as it is used by clinicians from different health disciplines: medicine, dentistry, nursing, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy. The course offers a step-by-step description and explanation of the process, illustrated with clinical examples. This course is of interest to both students and health professionals as they hone their knowledge and clinical reasoning skills.

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The course introduces the clinical reasoning process as it is used by clinicians from different health disciplines: medicine, dentistry, nursing, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy. The course offers a step-by-step description and explanation of the process, illustrated with clinical examples. This course is of interest to both students and health professionals as they hone their knowledge and clinical reasoning skills.

The clinical reasoning process was analyzed and modeled by six clinicians from the Faculty of Medicine at Université de Montréal together with a cognitive specialist. The result of this research was a model that was first published in the journal Medical Education in April 2012(1). The research itself forms the cornerstone of the course.

(1) Source : Charlin, B., Lubarsky, S., Millette, B., Crevier, F., Audétat, M.-C., Charbonneau, A., Caire Fon, N., Hoff, L. and Bourdy, C. (2012), Clinical reasoning processes: unravelling complexity through graphical representation. Medical Education, 46: 454–463. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2923.2012.04242.x

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • "real life" illustrates the clinical reasoning process from the point of view of a clinician representing each of the following disciplines: medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy and nursing.
  • "the simplified formal model" offers a symbolic representation of the process explained step by step and illustrated with clinical examples.
  • "the formal model" is the cornerstone of this training; it is the product of an analysis of the reasoning of six clinicians. published in 2012, the model takes the form of an interactive graphical representation. module 3 provides a detailed reading of the formal model. by way of illustration, it is followed by a case study demonstrating each step in the process, thereby enabling the participant to engage in the experience of clinical reasoning as a whole.
  • Collaboration, communication and scholarship are three intrinsic competencies used here as examples of how skills and abilities contribute to the clinical reasoning process. the first part provides clinical scenarios in which the clinician must mobilize intrinsic competencies to support their reasoning process. in the second part, a round table brings together clinical experts from five disciplines. their discussions reveal the issues raised by these competencies in their respective practices.
  • Experts in the field explain the specific "concepts" related to clinical reasoning. the presentations are in the form of informal exchanges between two of these experts.
  • "pitfalls" is an activity that highlights the challenges posed by clinical reasoning for the novice. teaching suggestions are offered to learners and supervisors to facilitate navigation of more difficult sections.
  • The "experts' toolbox" contains a set of invaluable resources and references as well as the latest news relating to clinical reasoning.
  • This online course is designed to simplify a complex cognitive process in order to help learners understand and apply it and help educators support them.
  • Our course consists of seven modules
  • Good luck in the coursethe mooc-clinical reasoning process teaching team

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores clinical reasoning process in multiple health disciplines
Provides learners with a step-by-step guide to clinical reasoning
Offers a graphical representation of the clinical reasoning process
Covers intrinsic competencies like collaboration, communication, and scholarship
Features insights from experts in the field
Includes valuable resources and references in its "Experts' Toolbox."

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Reviews summary

Systematic approach to clinical reasoning

According to learners, this course offers a systematic and structured approach to the complex clinical reasoning process. Students consistently praise its clear explanations and the valuable insights from diverse clinical examples across various health disciplines. Many found the formal model and its interactive representation particularly effective for understanding. While the course provides a solid theoretical foundation, some learners suggest a need for more hands-on practical scenarios for direct application. Recent reviews indicate the course has been refined over time, with updated content and insightful expert discussions being well-received.
Generally engaging, but some wished for more interactive elements.
"My only minor critique is that some interactive elements could be improved to enhance engagement further."
"I wished there were more opportunities for self-assessment or quizzes to test my understanding throughout the modules."
"I found some material quite dense and abstract, struggling with engagement without more practical examples."
Strong theoretical foundation; some desire more hands-on.
"This course provided a solid theoretical foundation, though I felt some sections could use more hands-on scenarios."
"As an experienced physician, I found it a bit too theoretical for me, feeling better suited for beginners."
"While academically rigorous, I wished for more direct application exercises rather than just foundational concepts."
Content has been improved and updated over time.
"I appreciate that the course has clearly been refined over time, as the newer content and expert round tables are excellent."
"The updated content, especially the expert round tables, felt fresh, relevant, and highly valuable."
"While some older videos exist, the core content remains highly relevant, showing good course maintenance."
Offers valuable real-world context and examples.
"The diverse clinical examples from different disciplines really broadened my perspective."
"The case studies were illuminating, showing how the model applies."
"I found myself applying the principles almost immediately in my daily work, which was great."
Simplifies a complex cognitive process effectively.
"This course is well-structured and easy to follow despite the complexity of the topic."
"The step-by-step breakdown of the process was particularly helpful."
"I found its clarity in explaining complex cognitive processes outstanding, providing a systematic approach."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Clinical Reasoning Process with these activities:
Review basic principles of medical ethics
This activity will help students to enhance their ability to incorporate ethical considerations into their clinical reasoning process, ensuring that decisions made are aligned with ethical guidelines and patient values
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  • Review written articles or textbooks to re-familiarize with core principles
Organize and synthesize notes from the course modules
This activity encourages students to actively engage with the course content to improve retention and understanding.
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  • Review the course modules and identify key concepts
  • Summarize and synthesize information into organized notes
  • Combine and compare notes from different modules to identify connections
Enroll in a free course on a coding platform
This activity can help students to develop the skills needed to apply clinical reasoning in practice by providing a structured and supported learning environment.
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Show steps
  • Identify the platform that you intend to use for the guided tutorial
  • Set up an account and create your profile on the coding platform
  • Explore and enroll in free courses related to clinical reasoning
  • Start working through the tutorials to develop your understanding
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a mind map of the clinical reasoning process
This activity can help students to develop a deeper understanding of the clinical reasoning process, and how the steps all work in conjunction with each other.
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  • Brainstorm and list down the key steps involved in clinical reasoning
  • Use a mind mapping tool to visually connect and organize the steps
  • Add details and examples to each step to enhance understanding
  • Review and refine the mind map to ensure clarity and completeness
Participate as a peer mentor in the course discussion forums
This activity allows students to reinforce their understanding by explaining concepts to others.
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Show steps
  • Actively participate in the course discussion forums
  • Identify opportunities to provide support and guidance to fellow students
  • Offer explanations and insights to enhance understanding
Engage in case analysis exercises
This activity will reinforce the clinical reasoning models, and develop problem-solving skills to enhance clinical decision-making abilities.
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Show steps
  • Identify and procure clinical case studies or scenarios
  • Review the case and identify the key clinical information
  • Apply the clinical reasoning process to analyze the case
  • Develop a differential diagnosis and treatment plan
  • Discuss and compare your analysis with others
Design a presentation on a specific clinical reasoning topic
This activity encourages students to develop their understanding of a specific aspect of clinical reasoning by creating and presenting a comprehensive overview of the topic to others.
Browse courses on Clinical Reasoning
Show steps
  • Identify a particular clinical reasoning topic
  • Research and gather information from credible sources
  • Organize and structure the presentation in a logical flow
  • Develop visual aids and examples to support key points
  • Practice delivering the presentation to refine clarity and timing

Career center

Learners who complete Clinical Reasoning Process will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Physician
Physicians diagnose and treat human illnesses. They use their knowledge of the human body and medical procedures to provide patients with the best possible care. This course can help aspiring physicians develop the critical thinking and reasoning skills necessary to succeed in this field. The course's focus on clinical reasoning and problem-solving can help physicians make more accurate diagnoses and develop more effective treatment plans.
See salaries and explore the career path for Physician
Dentist
Dentists diagnose and treat diseases of the teeth and gums. They use their knowledge of the oral cavity and dental procedures to provide patients with the best possible care. This course can help aspiring dentists develop the critical thinking and reasoning skills necessary to succeed in this field. The course's focus on clinical reasoning and problem-solving can help dentists make more accurate diagnoses and develop more effective treatment plans.
See salaries and explore the career path for Dentist
Veterinarian
Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases of animals. They use their knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology to provide animals with the best possible care. This course can help aspiring veterinarians develop the critical thinking and reasoning skills necessary to succeed in this field. The course's focus on clinical reasoning and problem-solving can help veterinarians make more accurate diagnoses and develop more effective treatment plans.
See salaries and explore the career path for Veterinarian
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information about their use. They use their knowledge of pharmacology and pharmacy practice to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. This course can help aspiring pharmacists develop the critical thinking and reasoning skills necessary to succeed in this field. The course's focus on clinical reasoning and problem-solving can help pharmacists make more accurate decisions about medication use.
See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist
Nurse
Nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings. They use their knowledge of nursing theory and practice to provide patients with the best possible care. This course can help aspiring nurses develop the critical thinking and reasoning skills necessary to succeed in this field. The course's focus on clinical reasoning and problem-solving can help nurses make more accurate assessments and develop more effective care plans.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nurse
Medical Researcher
Medical researchers design and conduct studies to investigate the causes and treatments of diseases. They use their knowledge of medical science and research methods to develop new and improved treatments for patients. This course can help aspiring medical researchers develop the critical thinking and reasoning skills necessary to succeed in this field. The course's focus on clinical reasoning and problem-solving can help medical researchers design and conduct more effective studies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Researcher
Health Policy Analyst
Health policy analysts develop and evaluate policies that affect the health of populations They use their knowledge of public health and policy analysis to improve the health of communities. This course can help aspiring health policy analysts develop the critical thinking and reasoning skills necessary to succeed in this field. The course's focus on clinical reasoning and problem-solving can help health policy analysts develop more effective policies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators manage the operations of healthcare organizations. They use their knowledge of healthcare management and administration to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. This course can help aspiring healthcare administrators develop the critical thinking and reasoning skills necessary to succeed in this field. The course's focus on clinical reasoning and problem-solving can help healthcare administrators make more effective decisions about the operation of healthcare organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Administrator
Medical Writer
Medical writers create and edit written materials about medical topics. They use their knowledge of medical science and writing to communicate complex information to a variety of audiences. This course can help aspiring medical writers develop the critical thinking and reasoning skills necessary to succeed in this field. The course's focus on clinical reasoning and problem-solving can help medical writers create more accurate and effective written materials.
See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Pharmaceutical sales representatives sell and promote pharmaceutical products to healthcare providers. They use their knowledge of pharmacology and sales techniques to convince healthcare providers to prescribe their products. This course can help aspiring pharmaceutical sales representatives develop the critical thinking and reasoning skills necessary to succeed in this field. The course's focus on clinical reasoning and problem-solving can help pharmaceutical sales representatives make more effective sales pitches.
See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare consultants provide advice to healthcare organizations on how to improve their operations. They use their knowledge of healthcare management and consulting to help healthcare organizations achieve their goals. This course can help aspiring healthcare consultants develop the critical thinking and reasoning skills necessary to succeed in this field. The course's focus on clinical reasoning and problem-solving can help healthcare consultants provide more effective advice to healthcare organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Consultant
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes and distribution of diseases in populations. They use their knowledge of epidemiology and biostatistics to identify and prevent疾病 outbreaks. This course can help aspiring epidemiologists develop the critical thinking and reasoning skills necessary to succeed in this field. The course's focus on clinical reasoning and problem-solving can help epidemiologists design and conduct more effective studies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist
Public Health Educator
Public health educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. They use their knowledge of public health and education to help people make healthy choices. This course can help aspiring public health educators develop the critical thinking and reasoning skills necessary to succeed in this field. The course's focus on clinical reasoning and problem-solving can help public health educators develop more effective educational programs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Educator
Health Communications Specialist
Health communications specialists create and disseminate health information to the public. They use their knowledge of health communication and marketing to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. This course can help aspiring health communications specialists develop the critical thinking and reasoning skills necessary to succeed in this field. The course's focus on clinical reasoning and problem-solving can help health communications specialists create more effective health information campaigns.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Communications Specialist
Fitness Trainer
Fitness trainers help people improve their physical fitness. They use their knowledge of exercise science and fitness training to create and implement exercise programs for their clients. This course may be useful for aspiring fitness trainers who want to develop a deeper understanding of the human body and how it responds to exercise.
See salaries and explore the career path for Fitness Trainer

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Clinical Reasoning Process.
Cover image
Oxford Handbook of Psychiatry
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Covers advanced clinical reasoning topics and provides a structured approach to problem-solving in clinical settings. It is recommended for learners who want to develop their clinical reasoning skills beyond the basics.
Oxford Handbook of Psychiatry
Paperback
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Oxford Handbook of Psychiatry
Kindle Edition
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Cover image
Medico-Chirurgical Transactions
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Is an excellent resource of clinical reasoning cases meant to supplement case-based learning. It valuable supplement to this course as it offers case studies that illustrate the clinical reasoning process from the perspectives of various healthcare disciplines.
Medico-Chirurgical Transactions
Paperback
Check
Medico-Chirurgical Transactions
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Cognitive Psychology and Its Implications
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Provides a comprehensive overview of cognitive psychology, which is the study of mental processes such as attention, memory, and problem-solving. It useful reference for those who want to learn more about the theoretical foundations of clinical reasoning.
Cognitive Psychology and Its Implications
Hardcover
$$$$
Cognitive Psychology and Its Implications
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cognitive Psychology and its Implications
Hardcover
$$$
Cognitive Psychology and its Implications, Sixth...
Hardcover
$$$
Cognitive Psychology and its Implications by...
Unknown Binding
$$$$
Cover image
How We Reason
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Provides a clear and concise overview of the cognitive processes involved in reasoning, including clinical reasoning. It valuable resource for students and clinicians who want to understand the basic principles of reasoning.
How We Reason
Paperback
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How We Reason
Kindle Edition
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Cover image
Rationality and the Reflective Mind
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Provides a comprehensive overview of cognitive science, including the clinical reasoning process. It valuable resource for students and clinicians who want to understand the theoretical foundations of clinical reasoning.
Rationality and the Reflective Mind
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Psychology: From Inquiry to Understanding
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Provides a collection of clinical cases that illustrate the clinical reasoning process. It valuable resource for students and clinicians who want to improve their clinical reasoning skills.
Psychology: From Inquiry to Understanding
Paperback
Check
Psychology: From Inquiry to Understanding
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
How Shakespeare Inspires Empathy in Clinical Care
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Provides a comprehensive overview of cognitive processes in medicine, including clinical reasoning. It valuable resource for students and clinicians who want to understand the theoretical foundations of clinical reasoning.
How Shakespeare Inspires Empathy in Clinical Care
Hardcover
$$
How Shakespeare Inspires Empathy in Clinical Care
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The STEM Pathway and Student Retention
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Provides a comprehensive overview of problem-based learning in health professions education. It valuable resource for students and clinicians who want to understand the theoretical foundations of problem-based learning.
The STEM Pathway and Student Retention: Lessons...
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
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Uses the RCVS Clinical Reasoning Cycle to introduce and discuss clinical reasoning in the veterinary profession.
Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Hardcover
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Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook: Desk
Paperback
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Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Desk)
Hardcover
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Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, Desk Edition
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Your Medical Mind
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Offers a fascinating look inside the minds of doctors as they make complex decisions and navigate ethical dilemmas. It provides real-world examples of clinical reasoning in practice, making it a valuable supplement to this course.
Your Medical Mind: How to Decide What Is Right for...
Paperback
$
Cover image
Cohen's Pathways of the Pulp Expert Consult - E-Book
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Provides a comprehensive overview of the art of clinical reasoning. It valuable resource for students and clinicians who want to understand the theoretical foundations of clinical reasoning.
Cohen's Pathways of the Pulp Expert Consult - E-Book
Paperback
Check
Cohen's Pathways of the Pulp Expert Consult - E-Book
Kindle Edition
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Course image
Effort
2 to 4 hours per week for 6 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Université de Montréal
Instructor
Nathalie Caire Fon
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores clinical reasoning process in multiple health disciplines
Provides learners with a step-by-step guide to clinical reasoning
Offers a graphical representation of the clinical reasoning process
Covers intrinsic competencies like collaboration, communication, and scholarship
Features insights from experts in the field
Includes valuable resources and references in its "Experts' Toolbox."
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