5.9. Critical Thinking: Anticipating outcomes
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Understand the concept of anticipating outcomes and its importance in the medical field.
- Identify factors that influence outcomes in CMA-related scenarios.
- Analyze CMA-related situations to predict potential outcomes based on actions taken.
- Reflect on personal or hypothetical experiences to enhance critical thinking skills.
- Develop scenarios requiring the application of anticipating outcomes for peer discussion.
- Apply critical thinking to patient care situations to enhance decision-making.
- Create and evaluate scenarios that demonstrate the importance of anticipating outcomes in clinical practice.
Part 1: Warm-Up Discussion
Exploring Anticipating Outcomes
Discuss the following questions as a class:
- What does it mean to anticipate outcomes?
- Can you share examples of situations in the medical field where anticipating outcomes is important?
- Write down one key point or example shared during the discussion:
Part 2: Introduction to Anticipating Outcomes
Understanding the Concept
Read the following examples and identify why anticipating outcomes is important:
- Example 1: A patient with diabetes is prescribed insulin. The CMA must anticipate potential side effects like hypoglycemia and educate the patient on recognizing symptoms. Why is it important to anticipate outcomes in this situation?
- Example 2: A patient with a history of severe allergies is prescribed a new medication. The CMA must consider the possibility of an allergic reaction and communicate with the healthcare provider before administration. Why is it important to anticipate outcomes in this situation?
- Write down one factor that can influence outcomes in a medical scenario:
Part 3: Scenario Analysis
Analyzing CMA-Related Scenarios
In your assigned group, read your scenario card and discuss the potential outcomes based on different actions you could take.
Use the worksheet below to organize your analysis:
Scenario Analysis Worksheet:
| Scenario Description | Possible Actions | Anticipated Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
Describe the situation provided on your card. List 2-3 actions you could take. What could happen as a result of each action?
After 15 minutes, prepare to share your scenario and anticipated outcomes with the class. Be ready to explain:
- Why you chose specific actions.
- How you anticipated the outcomes.
Part 4: Individual Reflection and Writing Activity
Reflecting on a Recent Experience
Think of a recent experience, either in clinical practice or a hypothetical situation, where anticipating outcomes was important.
Write a short paragraph addressing the following:
- What was the situation?
- What outcomes did you anticipate?
- What did you learn from this experience?
Your Reflection Paragraph:
After 10 minutes, be prepared to share your reflection with the class if called upon.
Part 5: Wrap-Up and Group Discussion
Sharing and Reflecting
Reflect on what you learned during this lesson and discuss the following questions as a class:
- How can anticipating outcomes improve patient care?
Your Answer: ____________________________________________ - What challenges do CMAs face when trying to predict outcomes?
Your Answer: ____________________________________________ - Write down one key takeaway from this lesson that you will apply in your role as a CMA:
Key Takeaway: ____________________________________________
