PT225 Module 2: Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Critical thinking

The process of actively applying analyzing and evaluating information to form a well reasoned judgment

Critical thinking purpose

To evaluate all sides of an issue action or problem and analyze all possible answers

Analytical reasoning

The ability to process information make decisions and solve problems logically

Deliberate thinking

Thinking that requires intention careful consideration and purpose

Importance of critical thinking in healthcare

It is the final defense in protecting patient health and safety

Critical thinking in personal life

Used to weigh large decisions and solve challenges that affect oneself and family

Automatic thinking

Thinking that occurs without conscious effort and is used for routine decisions

Critical thinking and academic success

Critical thinking improves decision making problem solving and learning outcomes

Critical thinking in the workplace

Helps technicians adapt to change solve problems and support team efficiency

Value of critical thinking to employers

Employers value technicians who think independently adapt quickly and solve problems

Value of critical thinking to pharmacy practice

Allows process improvement innovation and prioritization of problems

Critical thinking and career advancement

Specialized pharmacy roles require strong critical thinking skills

Seek the truth

Verifying information using facts evidence and reason

Evidence based reasoning

Supporting claims with research data and reliable sources

Open mindedness

Recognizing multiple viewpoints and being willing to reconsider one's own perspective

Analytical reasoning trait

Anticipating outcomes arguments and consequences before making decisions

Remain organized and focused

Maintaining attention on a task until completion

Self confidence

Trusting one's analysis decisions and being willing to admit mistakes

Curiosity

Questioning workplace processes to improve efficiency and outcomes

Maturity

Remaining calm analytical and professional in challenging situations

Recognize problems

Identifying issues or decisions that require attention

Communicate and collaborate

Clearly explaining problems and working with others to resolve them

Analyze relevance and validity of information

Using only accurate reliable and relevant data

Ask vital questions

Asking the right questions to identify problems and solutions

Regulate emotions

Avoiding emotional reactions and remaining analytical

Connect information

Identifying patterns relationships and cause and effect

Consider solutions

Weighing options outcomes and consequences before deciding

Problem solving

A systematic process used to respond to a situation by developing a solution

Identify the problem

Determining what decision issue or situation needs to be addressed

Recognize motivation

Determining whether a problem is significant enough to solve

Make observations

Collecting details about who what when where and how often

Problem scope

The size and impact of a problem

Root cause

The underlying reason a problem exists

Recognize perspectives

Understanding how different individuals view the problem

Gather information

Collecting data reports experiences and research to understand the issue

Organize information

Arranging data to present a clear and complete picture

Determine reliability and validity

Evaluating whether information sources are accurate and trustworthy

Observe patterns

Identifying trends in organized data

Brainstorm solutions

Generating multiple possible solutions to a problem

Assess strengths and weaknesses

Weighing the pros and cons of each solution

Action plan

A structured plan outlining steps timelines personnel and follow up

Identify barriers

Recognizing obstacles such as time resources budget and training

Monitor progress

Reviewing outcomes to determine if a solution is effective

Follow up

Ensuring solutions continue to work and making adjustments if needed

Habits of mind

Consistent thinking behaviors used when answers are not immediately clear

Critical thinking as a foundational skill

Critical thinking supports higher level skills such as problem solving clinical reasoning and professional judgment

Critical thinking beyond memorization

Pharmacy education emphasizes applying knowledge rather than memorizing facts

Ethics and critical thinking

Critical thinking must be combined with ethics knowledge and professional judgment to make safe decisions

Purpose of critical thinking in pharmacy education

To prepare students to analyze situations make decisions and adapt to complex healthcare environments