Improving Clinical Reasoning Skills Through Educational Approaches in Pharmacy Students: A Literature Review

Abstract

This study aimed to review existing literature on the development of clinical reasoning skills (CRS) in pharmacy students, focusing on educational approaches that enhance these competencies critical to effective patient care. Utilizing the PRISMA methodology, we conducted a systematic search in the SCOPUS database, which yielded 3,794 documents. Screening based on relevance, publication date, and language refined this to 1,140 documents, further narrowed to 34 after eligibility checks, resulting in 12 studies meeting the inclusion criteria for detailed analysis. Results indicate that structured, multifaceted pedagogical methods, including cognitive apprenticeship, team-based learning, and experiential learning in real-world settings, are particularly effective in fostering CRS among pharmacy students. These approaches enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills, which are essential for handling complex patient care scenarios. Additionally, innovative assessment tools, such as script concordance tests, provide reliable means of measuring students' reasoning skills and offer targeted feedback, improving readiness for clinical practice. The review concludes that integrating a combination of these methods within pharmacy curricula supports student competency development and prepares graduates for interdisciplinary collaboration. Future research should focus on the long-term effectiveness of these educational strategies across various settings and explore technological enhancements, such as virtual simulations, to further advance CRS training, ensuring pharmacy graduates are equipped for evolving healthcare challenges.