PROBLEM SOLVING TECHNIQUES.pptx
- 1. PROBLEM SOLVING TECHNIQUES Aminu M Hussain
- 2. Objectives • Define • Outline • Evolve • Be equipped
- 3. Overview • We engage in problem solving every day. It occurs for many decisions that need to be made on a daily basis. • For example, when making a decision about whether to get up now or sleep extra 10 minutes, the possible choices , risks and benefits of waking or sleeping later come automatically to mind. • Larger problems are addressed in a similar way. • After considering the possible strategies, 1 is chosen and implemented. If ineffective, a different strategy is tried. • People who can define problems, consider options, make choices, and implement a plan have all the basic skills required for effective problem solving.
- 4. Definition • Problem solving is a mental activity in which a problem is identified that represents an unsteady state. It requires the nurse to obtain information that clarifies the nature of the problem and suggests possible solutions. • Throughout the problem-solving process the implementation of critical thought may or may not be required in working toward a solution (Wilkinson, 2012).
- 5. Introduction • Focus of nursing is on the needs, patterns, responses, strengths or deficits of the whole person interacting with the environment. Nursing is assisting the client (individual person, family, groups or community) solve his/her health problems. • Problems are the unmet basic needs, barriers in normal human responses, health status or self care deficits. • These may be the actual or potential threats to enjoying sense of well being
- 6. Actual Health Problems • Such as impact of illness on physiological (e.g. respiratory function, metabolism, homeostasis, level of consciousness) • physical (e.g. comfort, nutrition, clothing) • safety (e.g. from physical, psychosocial trauma/insult) • socialization, self-concept and self-esteem (identity), industry, integrity, roles, achievement), and self-actualization (sense of spiritual fulfillment) status of clients.
- 7. Potential Health Problems • Such as risk for complications, failure or non- adherence to treatment/therapy, educational needs for information and concern to develop health oriented attitudes and skills. • Human responses are dynamic in nature and change as the client progresses along the continuum between health and illness. The nurse assists the clients solve these problems through three types of nursing functions:
- 8. Types of Nursing Functions • Independent e.g. initiating intake and output recording. • Interdependent e.g. educating client about the therapeutic nutrition in consultation with the dietitian. • Dependent e.g. maintains intravenous therapy. That is carrying out doctors order on medication.
- 9. Required skills • Whatever the type of functions the nurse carries out, the nurse uses a problem solving approach or nursing process. This requires following skills: • Cognitive or mental abilities e.g. applying knowledge, thinking critically, analyzing, judgement and decision making. • Affective e.g. attitudes, values, acceptance and respect for self and clients, interactional activities. • Psychomotor e.g. technical skills such as administering medicines, dressing and bathing
- 10. Commonly used approaches • TRIAL AND ERROR • One way to solve problems is through trial and error, in which a number of approaches are tried until a solution is found. • However, without considering alternatives systematically, one cannot know why the solution works. • The use of trial-and-error methods in nursing care can be dangerous because the client might suffer harm if an approach is inappropriate.
- 11. RESEARCH PROCESS • The research process, is a formalized, logical, systematic approach to problem solving. The classic quantitative research process is most useful when the researcher is working in a controlled situation. • Health professionals, often working with people in uncontrolled situations, require a modified approach for solving problems. • it is becoming increasingly important for nurses to identify evidence that supports effective nursing care.
- 12. INTUITION • Intuition is a problem-solving approach that relies on a nurse’s inner sense. It is a legitimate aspect of a nursing judgment in the implementation of care (Wilkinson, 2012). • Intuition is the understanding or learning of things without the conscious use of reasoning. It is also known as sixth sense, hunch, instinct, feeling, or suspicion. • As a problem-solving approach, intuition is viewed by some people as a form of guessing and, as such, an inappropriate basis for nursing decisions.
- 13. The problem process involves: 1) The systematic identification of a problem 2) Determination of goals related to the problem 3) Identification of possible solutions to achieve these goals 4) Implementation of selected solutions 5) Evaluation of goal achievement.
- 14. The Six Steps 1. Define the Problem 2. Determine the Root Cause(s) of the Problem 3. Develop Alternative Solutions 4. Select a Solution 5. Implement the Solution 6. Evaluate the Outcome
- 15. • The process is one of continuous improvement. The goal is not only to solve but to evolve, adjusting the solution continually as new challenges emerge, through repeating the Six Step Process.
- 16. Step by step • Following a step-by-step procedure for defining problems, generating solutions, and implementing solutions can make the process of problem solving seem less overwhelming.
- 17. Step 1: Identify and define the problem • State the problem as clearly as possible. For example: “I don’t have enough money to pay my bills.” • Be specific about the behaviour, situation, timing, and circumstances that make it a problem. For example: “I need to pay the school and electric bills, and I don’t have enough money to cover both this month.”
- 18. Step 2: Generate possible solutions • List all the possible solutions; don’t worry about the quality of the solutions at this stage. • Try to list at least 15 solutions, be creative and forget about the quality of the solution. • If you allow yourself to be creative you may come up with some solutions that you would not otherwise have thought about.
- 19. Step 3: Evaluate alternatives • The next step is to go through and eliminate less desirable or unreasonable solutions. • Order the remaining solutions in order of preference. • Evaluate the remaining solutions in terms of their advantages and disadvantages.
- 20. Step 4: Decide on a solution • Specify who will take action. • Specify how the solution will be implemented. • Specify when the solution will be implemented. For example: tomorrow morning, phone the company and negotiate to pay the bill next month.
- 21. Step 5: Implement the solution • Implement the solution as planned.
- 22. Step 6: Evaluate the outcome • Evaluate how effective the solution was. • Decide whether the existing plan needs to be revised, or whether a new plan is needed to better address the problem. • If you are not pleased with the outcome, return to step 2 to select a new solution or revise the existing solution, and repeat the remaining steps.
- 23. Conclusion • Problem solving is something we do every day. • Some problems are small or easily solved - others are more complicated and can seem overwhelming. • One way of tackling problems is to use a specific and systematic problem solving procedure.
- 24. Questions • What are the common approaches in solving problems • How many steps are there in solving problems • List types of nursing functions • What are required skills in nursing