Identifying problems in clinical problem solving. Perceptions and interventions with nonproblem-solving clinical behaviors.

Abstract

Students and practicing physical therapists are expected to be clinical problem solvers. The absence of clinical problem solving may result in decreased individuality of patient services. The purpose of this article is to assist clinical supervisors in identifying specific difficulties in clinical problem solving and to clarify confusions in the supervisor's perception of the problem-solving behaviors of students and therapists. I present a model by comparing the behaviors of the problem solver with the behaviors of the nonproblem solver at each step in the problem-solving process and then discuss sources of confusion in the perception of problem solving. I provide examples and suggest applications of the model for improving clinical problem-solving abilities.