Critical thinking: Characteristics of a critical thinker
• Insight
• Intuition
• Empathy
• Willingness to take action
o Initiative
o Inspiration
o Energy
o Positive Attitude
o Communication Skills
o Respect
o
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Critical thinking: Characteristics of a critical thinker
• Insight
• Intuition
• Empathy
• Willingness to take action
o Initiative
o Inspiration
o Energy
o Positive Attitude
o Communication Skills
o Respect
o Problem-solving and Critical-thinking skills
▪ Pg. 3 in ATI 6.0
Decision Making and Problem Solving:
• Decision Making: complex, cognitive process of choosing a particular course of action; the thought process of selecting a logical choice from available options.
• Problem Solving: part of a decision making; systematic process focusing on analyzing a
difficult situation involving higher-order reasoning and evaluation.
• Critical Thinking: the mental process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information to reach an answer or conclusion.
o Uses reason to make informed decisions
o Often requires one to think outside of the box
• Clinical Reasoning: integrating and applying different types of knowledge to weigh evidence, critically think about arguments, and reflect upon the process used to arrive at diagnosis.
• Clinical Judgement: the decision made regarding a course of action based on a critical
analysis of data.
o Modify interventions based on client’s response
o Determine client outcomes desired/achieved
Heuristics vs. formal structure in problem solving
• Heuristics:
o Shortcut mental strategies that help simplify information
o Discrete and often unconscious process for problem solving
o Allows for quick problem solving based on experiences
o Uses “trial and error” or “rule of thumb”
▪ A structured approach to problem solving and decision making increases clinical reasoning
• Traditional (formal) structure in Problem Solving
o Effective Model
o Weaknesses
▪ Time is needed for proper implementation
▪ Lack of initial objective-setting step
o Identify the problem
o Gather data to identify the causes and consequences of the problem
o Explore alternative solutions
o Evaluate each alternative
o Select appropriate solution
▪ Decision-making happens here
o Implement Solution
o Evaluate results
Critical elements used in decision making (POSSIBLE SATA ON EXAM)
• State a clear objective
• Gather data carefully
• Take the time necessary
• Use an evidence-based approach
• Generate many alternatives
• Think Logically
• Choose and act decisively
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