Explaining the experiences of internal medicine department assistants of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences regarding the factors and obstacles affecting clinical decision-making: a qualitative study

Clinical decision-making is done based on data collection, interpretation and evaluation to choose anevidence-based treatment plan from among different ways; Since the clinical environment has dynamic, variable, uncertain and unstable conditions, the clinical decision-making of assistants has different dimensions and is influenced by several factors; As a result, it is not possible to get a deep understanding of it with quantitative and cross-sectional studies; Therefore, the present study was carried out with the aim of explaining the experiences of internal department assistants on the factors and obstacles affecting clinical decision-making in hospitals affiliated to Jahrom University of Medical Sciences. This article is a contract content analysis study in which 8 assistants of the internal medicine department from hospitals affiliated to Jahrom University of Medical Sciences were selected and participated in thestudy by purposeful sampling. Semi-structured in-depth personal interview method was used to collect data. All interviews were recorded and then transcribed and analyzed using Granheim and Lundman's method. Data analysis revealed 4 main themes and 14 sub-categories, which main themes are: "criteria for clinical decision-making", "obstacles to clinical decision-making", "facilitators for clinical decision-making" and "the need for development" Training of assistants". Considering that clinical decision-making is based on the comprehensive benefit of the patient, ethicalprinciples and evidence, and the lack of theoretical knowledge, little experience and insufficient skills, lack of specialists, facilities and equipment along with the lack of amenities and work pressure can prevent correct decision-making, it is better to emphasize more on these matters in educational planning.