Emotional Valence and the Functions of Contextual Factors: An Exploration of Physicians' Clinical Reasoning Across Expertise

• In Event: Simulation and Clinical Reasoning

Abstract

Cross-disciplinary research has demonstrated that the capacity to express and regulate emotions optimizes decision-making under uncertainty and stress. However, extant research remains scant in understanding the role and impact of emotions on clinical reasoning in contexts where cognitive load may be high or low. In this study, we coded think-aloud transcripts - a method that has been a valuable tool to explore clinical reasoning - for twelve distinct emotions to explore their contribution to clinical reasoning. Preliminary results indicate that more emotion was expressed by more experienced physicians (vs their novice counterparts), and in low cognitive load contexts. Our study adds to the existing literature by laying out a roadmap for navigating the emotional energy that can influence the clinical decision-making process.

Authors

• Jerusalem Merkebu, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

• Michael Soh, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

• Divya Ramani, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

• Steven J. Durning, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

• Anthony R. Artino, The George Washington University