Investigating the influence of individual culture and cultural competence in developing and applying clinical reasoning skills among junior medical doctors

Clinical reasoning skills are at the heart of the effective functioning of medical practitioners. They are not only essential for delivering high-quality patient care but also integral to all aspects of a doctor's daily work. Despite efforts to support the development of these skills during undergraduate training, junior doctors still require significant support upon graduation as they navigate the demands of clinical practice and continue to develop their clinical reasoning skills. In addition to managing these challenges, junior doctors must also cater to the needs of a multicultural patient community. It is worth noting that junior doctors themselves may come from diverse cultural backgrounds, reflecting the cultural variations among the student population in higher education.

It is acknowledged that cultural differences exist between the East and the West and also within a country, and this could lead to unforeseen challenges when they are mixed. An individual's deeply held values and beliefs, shaped by their own culture and their understanding of other cultures, can have an impact on their thinking, communication, and interaction with individuals from cultural contexts other than their own. This is particularly relevant in clinical practice, where cultural diversity is readily observed among practicing doctors and their patient population. However, this is an area that has not been adequately explored in the field of clinical reasoning.

By engaging in a study focused on this topic, we can gain a deeper understanding of how an individual's culture and cultural competence influence their clinical reasoning skills. This is crucial for promoting effective and culturally sensitive healthcare practices. In addition, it can provide valuable insights that can be translated into enhanced training for both medical undergraduate and junior doctor training.

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Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research. We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.