Development of Clinical Reasoning in Tutorships: What Do Medical Students Say in their Reflections?

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Keywords:

thematic analysis, problem solving-based teaching, tutorships, medical students.

Abstract

Introduction: At Walter Sisulu University, groups of students discuss clinical cases that induce interdisciplinary integration.

Objective: To expose the learning experiences included in the reflections on tutorships when an academic period is finished.

Methods: The study had a phenomenological approach, which positioned it within the framework of the interpretive paradigm. At the end of the module, the facilitator encouraged the students to reflect on their learning experiences. The purposive sample was the 66 members of the groups facilitated by their tutor herself in the period October 2022 to November 2023. Fifty-two students submitted their reflections, with an average age of 20 years and with both genders represented. The participants' narratives were subjected to a thematic analysis, according to Braun and Clark. The researchers worked independently in coding the data and interpreting the initial categories, followed by joint work in all the discussion sessions until consensus was reached.

Results: Data analysis permitted to detect 60 codes initially categorized into six themes, with subsequent integration into two themes, with two subthemes each. Theme I was cognitive dimension of learning, in turn subcategorized into meaningful learning and clinical reasoning; theme II, social dimension of learning, subcategorized into self-regulation to others and self-management.

Conclusions: The participants' memorable experiences suggest that case discussion in a collaborative environment can enhance knowledge construction and the development of clinical reasoning.

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Author Biographies

Mayra Gari Calzada, Universidad Walter Sisulu. Departamento de Educación a los Profesionales de la Salud. República de Sur-África

Profesora Auxiliar. Universidad Walter Sisulu. Departamento de Educación a los Profesionales de la Salud.    República de Sur-África

Ernesto Blanco Blanco, Universidad Walter Sisulu. Departamento de Educación a los Profesionales de la Salud. República de Sur-África

Profesor Auxiliar Universidad Walter Sisulu. Departamento de Educación a los Profesionales de la Salud.    República de Sur-África

Published

2024-10-29

How to Cite

1.
Gari Calzada M, Blanco Blanco E. Development of Clinical Reasoning in Tutorships: What Do Medical Students Say in their Reflections?. Educación Médica Superior [Internet]. 2024 Oct. 29 [cited 2025 Dec. 5];38. Available from: https://ems.sld.cu/index.php/ems/article/view/4211

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