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Diagnostic Reasoning for APRN Learners: Overview of Teaching Strategies
Lauren A Petersen1, Stephanie Delkoski2, Sarah McCarthy3
1Lauren A. Petersen is Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota School of Nursing, 308 Harvard St SE, 5-140 WDH, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (lpete@umn.edu).
AACN Advanced Critical Care
|May 30, 2025
Summary
Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) learners require specific training in diagnostic reasoning to reduce errors and improve patient safety. Integrating diagnostic reasoning skills into APRN curricula is essential for preparing competent diagnosticians.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Healthcare Quality
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Diagnostic error poses a significant risk in healthcare settings.
- New graduates, including advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), need enhanced diagnostic reasoning skills for safe practice.
- Current APRN curricula may lack sufficient focus on diagnostic reasoning development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of effective teaching strategies for developing diagnostic reasoning skills in APRN learners.
- To highlight the importance of integrating diagnostic reasoning into all APRN program curricula.
- To address key components of diagnostic reasoning: knowledge development, differential diagnosis, and reflective practices.
Main Methods:
- Review of foundational concepts in dual-process thinking relevant to diagnostic reasoning.
- Exploration of specific teaching strategies tailored for primary and acute care APRN curricula.
- Categorization of strategies based on the diagnostic reasoning component they support (knowledge, differential diagnosis, reflection).
Main Results:
- Knowledge development can be enhanced through illness scripting and problem representation activities.
- Differential diagnosis and prioritization skills are improved using structured grids and lists.
- Cognitive debiasing and reflective practice are fostered via self-explanation and structured reflection techniques.
Conclusions:
- Intentional preparation in diagnostic reasoning is crucial for APRN learners.
- Tailored teaching strategies can effectively equip APRN students with essential diagnostic skills.
- Integrating these strategies into APRN programs will enhance diagnostic competence and patient safety.
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