Clinical reasoning and its relationship with innovation in nurses working in emergency departments of Tabriz teaching hospitals

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Emergency nurses should be trained individuals who, in addition to high knowledge, skills, and innovation, are able to judge critical clinical situations, make life-saving decisions, solve complex problems, and think in critical situations. Nevertheless, previous studies reveal the poor performance of both nurses and nursing students in clinical reasoning and innovation. Considering the importance of improving the performance of nurses, it is important to study these two concept in the emergency departments, which are closely related to human life. Methods: This correlational-descriptive study was conducted on 170 nurses working in emergency units of hospitals in Tabriz, Iran. The participants were selected through stratified random sampling and the data were collected using the clinical reasoning and innovation scales. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical methods in SPSS-26. It is noteworthy that linear regression analysis was employed to adjust the effect of confounding variables in examining the relationship between clinical reasoning and innovation. Results: The mean age of participants was 34.54±6.97; most of them were female (56.5%) and married (69.4%). In addition, 56.5% of them were working based on a permanent employment contract. The mean scores of clinical reasoning and innovation of participants were 60.91±7.079 (Range= 15-75), and 102.11±10.26 (Range= 20-140), respectively. The results showed a significant relationship between clinical reasoning and innovation. After adjusting the confounding variables, one unit of increase in the clinical reasoning score increased the innovation score by 0.35.

Conclusion: Since the mean scores of clinical reasoning and innovation obtained by participants were not acceptable, it seems necessary to strengthen the skills of nurses in these two areas. Moreover, the significant relationship between these two variables suggests that strengthening each of them will possibly improve the other one. These two essential concepts can be streghthened by measures such as holding relevant training classes, establishing the appropriate settings and conditions, and instituting a reward and motivation system.