The use of emotional intelligence capabilities in clinical reasoning and decision‐making: A qualitative, exploratory study

Publisher： John Wiley & Sons Inc

E-ISSN： 1365-2702|27|3-4|e600-e610

ISSN： 0962-1067

Source： JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Vol.27, Iss.3-4, 2018-02, pp. : e600-e610

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

Aims and objectivesTo explore clinical nurses’ experiences of using emotional intelligence capabilities during clinical reasoning and decision‐making.

BackgroundThere has been little research exploring whether, or how, nurses employ emotional intelligence (EI) in clinical reasoning and decision‐making.

DesignQualitative phase of a larger mixed‐methods study.

MethodsSemistructured qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of registered nurses (n = 12) following EI training and coaching. Constructivist thematic analysis was employed to analyse the narrative transcripts.

ResultsThree themes emerged: the sensibility to engage EI capabilities in clinical contexts, motivation to actively engage with emotions in clinical decision‐making and incorporating emotional and technical perspectives in decision‐making.

ConclusionContinuing to separate cognition and emotion in research, theorising and scholarship on clinical reasoning is counterproductive.

Relevance to clinical practiceUnderstanding more about nurses’ use of EI has the potential to improve the calibre of decisions, and the safety and quality of care delivered.