What does the term ‘clinical reasoning’ refer to in the context of the exam?

The term 'clinical reasoning' refers to the cognitive processes that healthcare professionals use to make informed and effective clinical decisions regarding patient care. This involves synthesizing information from various sources, including patient history, symptoms, and clinical guidelines, to formulate a diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment. Clinical reasoning is crucial as it allows practitioners to evaluate complex situations, consider alternatives, and apply their knowledge to arrive at an appropriate conclusion tailored to the individual patient's needs.

In contrast to memorizing clinical policies or following guidelines strictly, which may lead to a more rote or formulaic approach to healthcare, clinical reasoning emphasizes the integration of knowledge and experience to make judgments that are appropriate for unique clinical situations. Additionally, while technology plays an important role in supporting clinical decision-making, it is only one aspect of the broader cognitive processes involved in clinical reasoning.