Table 2.

Cognitive processes identified in the script analysis

Cognitive process	Definition	Verbal data
Choosing	Choosing between different options (i.e., examination or treatment)	Christina is examining a patient who may have a fracture to the ankle and is considering if it warrants an x-ray. She has acknowledged a significant swelling but decides, “I actually think we should see if you can stand on it.”
Concluding	Summarising and concluding on rationales for choices made	Ellen has been through the patient’s electronic journal and summarize her reflections: “We definitely need to take an ECG.”
Information seeking	Actively seeking out ways for gaining more information	The EMTs has just finished the handover to Mark, where an unusual heart rate is reported. He explains therefore that “…the first I think I will do, is to take her hand and feel for her pulse…”
Studying	Investigating information further, seeking a better understanding to make a diagnostic decision	Anne is examining a patient who has cut himself and explains that she usually repeats the patient’s answers, “…so they can elaborate on their story a bit.”

All names are pseudonyms