Evaluating and comparing critical thinking skills of specialty residents of Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Background: Today’s complexities and diversity in the clinical setting have revealed the need to pay attention to strengthening critical thinking skills. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare critical thinking skills in the specialty residents of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Methods The present study is a descriptive and cross-sectional type of study. The statistical population of the study included 284 specialty residents in orthopedic, internal medicine, and surgery groups studying in the first to fourth years of residency. They were selected by a census method. A two-section questionnaire, including demographic characteristics and the California Critical Thinking Skills Test -Form B (CCTST-B), was used to collect data. The collected data were entered into SPSS-16 software and analyzed using descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential (one-way ANOVA) statistics. The significant level in all tests was considered at P < 0.05. Results The mean critical thinking skill score of specialty residents (SD = 3.52, M = 13.81) was found at a level lower than the optimal level. A significant difference was found between the critical thinking skill scores in the three groups (internal medicine, surgery, and orthopedic). Comparing the mean critical thinking skill scores of the specialty residents separately for residency year revealed a significant difference between critical thinking skill scores in the four groups. Conclusion The critical thinking skills of the specialty residents of Tehran University of Medical Sciences were generally below the optimal level. The critical thinking score of the residents increased in the second year, but it was reduced again in the third and fourth years. Due to the emphasis of accreditation institutions, the World Federation for Medical Education, and other international institutions on the promotion of critical thinking, it is recommended to pay more attention to the factors related to the promotion and development of critical thinking skills in specialty residents.