Critical Thinking in Clinical Practice
Critical Thinking in Clinical Practice
Clinicians derive a lot from critical thinking both in theory and practice. In order to achieve the best outcomes, clinicians must integrate different elements of critical thinking skills into their practice. Among the essential roles of critical thinking in clinical practice is the facilitation of communication. Effective communications are central in the performance of all clinicians. The lack of critical thinking skills would result into ineffective communication. As a result of critical thinking, the clinician chooses the right thing to say at the right time (Potter, 2012).
In addition to communication, critical thinking also facilitates for strategic planning. In clinical practice, strategic planning helps in avoiding potential challenges. This is instrumental in enhancing the wellbeing of patients. Critical thinking enables the clinical practitioner to make strategic decisions in all kinds of situations (Clark, 2008).
In clinical practice, critical thinking enables the practitioners to examine issues from different angles. In essence, a critical thinker should have the ability to use a multifaceted approach in examining different kinds of challenges. It helps in understanding the gains and costs of all alternatives. In clinical practice, critical thinking is also an important tool for conflict mitigation. It facilitates for the critical analysis of different types of conflicts in order to formulate the most viable solution (Walden University, 2012).
Enhancing Clinical Competence through Critical Thinking Strategies
A competent clinician should have the ability to deliver health care services that meet the highest professional standards. There different factors that contribute towards the enhancement of competence in clinical practice. Such factors include academic background and professional qualifications (Potter, 2012). However, critical thinking is also an essential factor that enhances competence among clinicians. It is difficult for a clinician to attain the highest standards of professionalism without having sufficient skills in critical thinking. Critical thinking forms the framework for clinicians to not only relate with patients but also other professionals. Through these interactions, the clinicians can attain the highest standards of professionalism (Clark, 2008).
Critical thinking also enhances competence by promoting rationality in decision making. This involves making decisions that take the outcome into consideration. Essentially, a clinician should critically examine the potential implications of any decision prior to execution. Through this approach, it becomes easier to avoid the undesirable repercussions. The critical thinking skills in clinical practice also promote high levels of responsibility. This involves being accountable for all actions. It is hard for clinical practitioners to attain competency if they are not responsible for their actions (Masters, 2009).
The Link between Clinical Practice, Critical Thinking and Scholarship
The link between scholarship, critical thinking and clinical practice encompasses different perspectives. In essence, critical thinking has numerous applications in both the clinical studies and applications. For instance, clinicians would find it hard to attain excellent grades if they do not apply critical thinking skills in examinations (Clark, 2008).
In all types of clinical tests, the candidate must think critically in order to understand the questions. After understanding the question, the candidate then formulates a series of potential answers. From these alternatives, the final step involves selecting the best answer. The connection between clinical practice and critical thinking is reflected in almost all duties of a clinician. On the other hand, successful scholarship forms the basis of excellent professionalism in the actual clinical practice. The three aspects are thus intertwined in different ways (Potter, 2012).
References
Clark, C. (2008). Creative nursing leadership and management, Mississauga: Jones & Bartlett Learning
Masters, K. (2009). Role development in professional nursing practice, Mississauga:Jones & Bartlett Learning
Potter, P. A. & Perry, A. G. (2012). Fundamentals of nursing, Elsevier Health Sciences
Walden University Writing Center. (2010). What is critical thinking? Retrieved on 3rdOctober 2012 from http://writingcenter.waldenu.edu/Documents/Scholarly-Writing/Critical_Thinking_%28Final%29.pdf
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