Can a ‘Think aloud’ clinical reasoning exercise develop greater self-awareness of clinical reasoning in student paramedics? A case study

Aims: This study aims to evaluate an established teaching tool for developing the Clinical Reasoning skills of student Paramedics, ascertaining the feasibility of this as an ongoing method for enhancing the teaching of clinical reasoning potentially alleviating the identified issues of transferring. Methods Utilising a qualitative approach to seek opinion and experience of the students undertaking the learning activity to ascertain level of enjoyment, student relatability and awareness of the skills it wished to develop. Data collected via an online survey tool was then analysed to draw theme and particular comment. Findings Student enjoyment and engagement was evident, the exercise permitted independence of thought and working; promoting students to self-appraise the effectiveness of the working strategy. Conclusion The results of this case study indicate the exercise could be effective in its premise of developing students’ clinical reasoning skills. It compliments established teaching strategies, such as core lectures, seminars and supervised practice.