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Problem Solving Lecture

The document outlines the importance of problem solving in healthcare, defining problems and various types such as structured, unstructured, and crisis problems. It details techniques for problem solving, including trial-and-error, experimentation, and brainstorming, as well as a systematic process involving defining the problem, gathering information, developing and weighing alternatives, selecting the best solution, implementing it, and monitoring progress. Additionally, it identifies obstacles to effective problem solving, such as stress, oversimplification, and lack of data.

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3 views7 pages

Problem Solving Lecture

The document outlines the importance of problem solving in healthcare, defining problems and various types such as structured, unstructured, and crisis problems. It details techniques for problem solving, including trial-and-error, experimentation, and brainstorming, as well as a systematic process involving defining the problem, gathering information, developing and weighing alternatives, selecting the best solution, implementing it, and monitoring progress. Additionally, it identifies obstacles to effective problem solving, such as stress, oversimplification, and lack of data.

Uploaded by

ahmedfatin12345
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Problem Solving

Outlines:
 Introduction.
 Definitions.
 Types of problems
 Problem solving techniques
 Problem solving process
 Obstacles to problem solving
Problem Solving
Introduction:
In the present modern health care arena (field), the responsibility for making
sound decisions was never more critical. All nurses have management obligations
in terms of patient care planning, and they may have additional tasks as well.
Definitions:
Problem: A difference between an existing and a desired state of affairs.
Problem solving: is a systematic process that focuses on analyzing a difficult
situation and always includes a decision- making steps.
Or
It is scientific method for the manager to accomplish organizational goals.

Types of managerial problem: -


1) Structured problems

 These are familiar and clear.

 They can be expected and managers can plan ahead and develop specific
ways to deal with them, or even can take action to prevent their occurrence.

2) Unstructured problems

 Involve ambiguities and information deficiencies, and often occur as new or


unexpected situation. They usually require novel solutions.

3) Crisis problems

 A crisis problem is an unexpected problem that can lead to disaster if not


solved quickly and appropriately. Managers are developing crisis management
plans to deal with them in the best possible ways.

PROBLEM SOLVING TECHNIQUES


1) Trial-and error method

 Applying one solution after another until the problem is solved or appears to
improving.

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 Trial-and-error process can be time consuming and may even be detrimental to
patient care and the operation of the unit.

2) Experimentation

 Experimentation involves testing a theory or hypothesis to produce knowledge,


understanding, or prediction.

 Experimentation may be creative and effective or ineffective, depending on


how it is used.

3) Past experience & intuition

 Everyone has various experiences. Individuals build a repertoire of these


experiences and base future actions on what they considered successful
solutions in the past.

4) Laissez-faire(self-Solving)

 A laissez-faire approach has been known to achieve excellent results in many


situations, especially when highly professional or well-educated employees are
involved.

 The skill here lies in knowing when to do nothing.

5) Critique

 Critique is a problem-solving technique in which the manager assumes the role


of listener and facilitator, providing feedback and constructive criticism to
assist the staff in proper identification of problems.

 This technique is especially effective in situations in which the communication


process has deteriorated to the point that it is difficult to identify the actual
problem.

6) Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a technique leader can use to create a free flow of ideas. They
should encourage the members to contribute a large number of ideas without
fear of criticism. The thought is that the greater the number of ideas generated,
the greater the likelihood of producing an idea that will solve the problem.
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Scientific problem solving: Include the steps listed in the process.

Problem solving process:


We solve problems and make decisions everyday/all the day at home, at work, even at
the grocery store. Problem solving steps are as the following:
1) Define the problem:
The most important of problem solving is defining the problem. The definition of a
problem should be a descriptive statement of the state of relationships, not a
judgment or conclusion.

Ex. In the morning shift at the male medical department; more than
one nurse inserts the cannula for patients several times.

2) Gather information:
Problem solving begins with collecting facts. The manager should obtain relevant,
valid, accurate, and detailed descriptions from appropriate people or sources and
put the information in writing. This step encourages people to report facts
accurately. Due to a lack of time, collecting written data may be impossible. The
management should only analyses the data once it has been organized.
3) Develop alternatives:
As the nurse manager or group analyzes information, numerous possible
solutions will suggest themselves. These should be written down and plans made
to immediately start developing the best of them. Developing alternative solutions
makes it possible to combine the best parts of several solutions into a superior
one.

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4) Weigh alternatives:
After listing possible alternatives, evaluate them. While a suitable solution may
solve the problem, it may not work if resources are not available, if people won ‘t
accept it, or if it causes new problems.
5) Select the best alternative:
After weighing alternatives, the nurse manager should select the one that is most
feasible, and satisfactory and has the fewest undesirable consequences.

Implement the solution:


The manager implements the solution (decision) after selecting the best course of
action. If unforeseen new problems emerge after implementation, Nurses must
remember that no solution is perfect and that regardless of the benefits, all
change is stressful.
7) Monitor progress:
After the solution has been implemented, nurses should review the plan instituted
and compare the actual results and benefits to those of the idealized solution. To
ensure that solution continues to be used and work, a periodic checkup gives the
nurse manager valuable insight and experience to use in other situations and
keeps the problem-solving process on course.

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Obstacles to problem solving:
▪ Stress: whether it is personal or professional will lead to
negative effect.
▪ Oversimplification: It happens when there is lack
of experience it will lead to quick solution.
▪ Personality of the followers: When the manager bring
subjectivity to the solution of the problem.
▪ Lack of data: It will lead to wrong decision.
▪ Time: a quick decision is a habit among managers.

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