Enhancing Thai General Practitioners' Critical Thinking Skills: An Educational Development Needs Assessment

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Enhancing Thai General Practitioners' Critical Thinking Skills: An Educational Development Needs Assessment
Language: English
Authors: Bancha Daengneam (ORCID 0000-0003-1153-4043), Kanyarat Sriwisathiyakun (ORCID 0000-0002-4533-6400), Thanongsak Sovajassatakul (ORCID 0000-0001-7789-9016)
Source: Educational Process: International Journal. Article e2025541 2025 19.
Availability: UNIVERSITEPARK Limited. iTOWER Plaza (No61, 9th floor) Merkez Mh Akar Cd No3, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey 34382. e-mail: editor@edupij.com; Web site: http://www.edupij.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 20
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills, Skill Development, Educational Development, Educational Needs, Needs Assessment, Professional Continuing Education, Educational Assessment, Workplace Learning, Competency Based Education, Higher Education
Geographic Terms: Thailand
ISSN: 2147-0901
2564-8020
Abstract: Purpose: This study examined Thai general practitioners' (GPs) actual and expected levels of critical thinking skills (CTS) and identified developmental priorities through an educational development needs assessment (EDNA) using the modified Priority Needs Index (PNI-modified). Methodology: A descriptive survey was conducted with 346 Thai GPs selected through proportional stratified random sampling from five national training institutions. Data were collected using a dual-response questionnaire covering five CTS domains and analyzed using means, standard deviations, dependent-samples t-tests, and a PNI-modified gap analysis. Findings: GPs rated their current CTS as moderate, while expected levels were very high. The greatest developmental need was synthesis of ideas, followed by analytical processing and evaluation of outcomes. These statistically significant gaps underscore an urgent need to enhance higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) in GP training. Conclusions: The results confirm a considerable CTS gap, with synthesis as the highest priority. Addressing these deficits is essential to strengthening decision-making and holistic care in Thai primary healthcare. Implications for Research and Practice: The study provides evidence-based guidance for curriculum reform, continuing professional development, and workplace-based assessment. By integrating critical thinking competencies into training frameworks, Thai medical education can better prepare GPs to meet the demands of modern practice.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1488919
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Purpose: This study examined Thai general practitioners' (GPs) actual and expected levels of critical thinking skills (CTS) and identified developmental priorities through an educational development needs assessment (EDNA) using the modified Priority Needs Index (PNI-modified). Methodology: A descriptive survey was conducted with 346 Thai GPs selected through proportional stratified random sampling from five national training institutions. Data were collected using a dual-response questionnaire covering five CTS domains and analyzed using means, standard deviations, dependent-samples t-tests, and a PNI-modified gap analysis. Findings: GPs rated their current CTS as moderate, while expected levels were very high. The greatest developmental need was synthesis of ideas, followed by analytical processing and evaluation of outcomes. These statistically significant gaps underscore an urgent need to enhance higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) in GP training. Conclusions: The results confirm a considerable CTS gap, with synthesis as the highest priority. Addressing these deficits is essential to strengthening decision-making and holistic care in Thai primary healthcare. Implications for Research and Practice: The study provides evidence-based guidance for curriculum reform, continuing professional development, and workplace-based assessment. By integrating critical thinking competencies into training frameworks, Thai medical education can better prepare GPs to meet the demands of modern practice.
ISSN:2147-0901
2564-8020