Critical thinking and problem solving.

Abstract

This article has discussed how critical thinkers solve problems. The ideas are intended to help pharmacists analyze problems and communicate recommendations. The ideas are intended to help pharmacists analyze their process for dealing with problems and to help with communication skills that facilitate information gathering and recommendations. The scientific method provides a framework for focused problem solving. Biases may adversely affect problem solving; critical thinkers work consciously to minimize them. Critical thinkers continually evaluate the quality of their information sources. Finally, critical thinkers practice effective communication skills. Each day, pharmacists make numerous decisions that have great impact on patient outcomes. These decisions must often be made with little warning and in a brief period of time. Providing pharmaceutical care demands that the critical-thinking process operate efficiently at all times. Just as sound clinical judgments depend on applying accepted principles of pharmacotherapy to individual patients, critical thinking must also be individualized. There is no single model for critical thinking. Many factors, including personality, environmental influence, and genetics, determine the critical-thinking process for a given individual. Critical thinking, however, is not an innate talent. It must be practiced and developed.