3.8. Problem Solving and Decision Making (Critical Thinking)
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Define critical thinking and explain its significance in healthcare, particularly for CMAs.
- Identify key steps involved in problem-solving and decision-making.
- Analyze scenarios to recognize potential complications and propose actionable solutions.
- Reflect on their critical thinking approach and how it can be improved for better decision-making.
- Apply critical thinking skills to realistic healthcare scenarios.
Part 2: What is critical thinking
What is Critical Thinking?
Answer the following questions that describe what critical thinking means in a healthcare setting.
Critical Thinking Steps: Read the below four statement and put them in the correct order.
Identifying Complications: Interactive scenario-based questions.
In your group, you will receive a scenario card describing a medical procedure and potential complications.
Scenario 1: A patient suddenly starts experiencing an allergic reaction during a routine procedure.
As a group, identify and discuss:
- The potential complications in this scenario.
- The immediate steps you would take to address these complications.
- Use the table below to organize your thoughts:
| Scenario Description | Potential Complications | Immediate Steps to Address Them |
|---|---|---|
| Example: Allergic reaction | Swelling, difficulty breathing | Administer epinephrine, call for help, monitor vitals. |
Repeat with other scenarios below:
Scenario 2: You are checking a patient after a flu shot. The patient begins to itch and shows redness.
Scenario 3: During a blood draw procedure, the patient suddenly faints.
Scenario 4: While preparing to administer an injection, the healthcare provider notices that the medication packaging is damaged and the label is partially obscured.
Part 3: Presentation
Group Presentations
Present your scenario and findings to the class. Include:
- The complications you identified.
- The steps you would take to address the complications.
- The reasoning behind your decisions.
After your presentation:
- Answer any questions from your classmates.
- Write down one idea or approach from another group’s presentation that you found helpful or interesting:
Reflection and Feedback Worksheet
- What worked well in your group’s approach to the scenario?
- What could be improved in your decision-making process?
- How can you apply what you learned about critical thinking to real-life healthcare situations?
- Provide feedback to a peer group’s presentation. What did you find most insightful?
Part 4: Reflections
Write 4–5 sentences about today’s lesson.
- What did you learn about critical thinking?
- How can these skills help you in a clinic or hospital?
- What will you try to do better next time?
