Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2025

Using Learning Outcome Measures to assess Doctoral Nursing Education
Published on: June 21, 2010
Diagnostic Reasoning Outcomes in Nurse Practitioner Education: A Scoping Review
Background:
Diagnostic reasoning is the process of collecting, considering, and analyzing information to determine a diagnosis. Educational strategies that structure diagnostic reasoning exposure, experience, and evaluation are hypothesized to improve diagnostic safety. However, few studies measure diagnostic reasoning outcomes in nurse practitioner education. This review sought to identify the educational interventions intended to improve diagnostic reasoning competency, determine which components of reasoning are evaluated, and examine how they are measured.
Method:
Four databases were searched, and 12 studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria.
Results:
Simulation was the most common intervention. The most frequently measured diagnostic reasoning components were information gathering, differential diagnosis, and leading diagnosis. Checklists and patient management problems were the most used assessment method.
Conclusion:
More studies are needed to assess the reasoning processes of hypothesis generation, problem representation, and diagnostic justification. Within simulation, methods capable of capturing these components include think-aloud, global assessments, checklists, and note evaluation. [.
Related Concept Videos
Documentation of Nursing Diagnosis
In some settings, data-driven computerized decision support systems are in place, allowing for more accurate nursing diagnoses. The database within one of these systems includes diagnostic labels defining characteristics, activities, and indicators for nursing. A nurse enters...
Patient-centered Care
Critical Thinking II
Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching I: Assessment and Diagnosis
It is critical to determine the patient's learning needs during the assessment. Determination of learning needs compounds data...
Formulating and Validating Nursing Diagnosis I
There are thirteen domains...
Critical Thinking I

