PROBLEM SOLVING APPROACH

INTRODUCTION

Problem solving is a mental process includes problem finding and problem shaping.

The relationship between decision-making and problem-solving.

The first step in decision-making was to identify the problem. But problem-solving can involve the making of several decisions.

PRINCIPLES OF PROBLEM SOLVING

should separate large problems from small ones, use policy to solve the smaller problems, and conserve managerial time for solving major problems.

should delegate subordinates and

smaller

problems

to

teach them to solve these by applying existing agency rules.

should consult internal and external experts,

approaches problems in relaxed fashion and refuse to solve problems under stress.

To conserve time, a nurse manager should ensure that job descriptions and personnelevaluation forms specify employees responsibilities for problem-solving.

assigning problem-solving responsibility to particular employees and prepare detailed agendas for problem-solving meetings.

should show appreciation for unacceptable, as well as acceptable, ideas generated during employees

can enhance staff nurses problem solving by teaching them multiple problem-solving techniques.

When problem-solving instruction is given in groups, coworkers can serve as a reference source while the nurse learns new techniques;

CHARACTERISTICS OF SKILLFUL PROBLEM-SOLVING

delegate the responsibility to the most capable nurses. Creative solutions are generated by nurses with clinical expertise

GOOD PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS: Developing creative and innovative solutions Developing practical solutions Showing independence & initiative Applying a range of strategies to problem solving

PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS : steps identifying the problem, searching for possible solutions, selecting the most optimal solution & imlementing a possible solution

PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS STEPS:

The steps of the problem-solving process : are the same as the steps of the nursing process and the decision-making process: assess and analyse, plan, implement and evaluate.

Assessment
systematic collection, organization and analysis - data related to a specific problem or need. logical fact-finding, questioning all sources and differentiating between objective facts and subjective feelings, opinions and assumptions. Knowledge and experience guide the data collection and analysis of data.

Planning
involves several phases. In nursing terms we determine priorities, set goals and measurable objectives, and plan interventions.

break the problem down into components and establish priorities; develop alternative courses of action; determine probable outcomes for each alternative; make a plan of action

Implementation of the plan.

most likely to be delegated to subordinates.

requires knowledge and skills appropriate to the specific alternatives selected.

Evaluation,

how closely goals and objectives were met,

the success or failure of actions

IDENTIFY
EVALUATE

EXPLORE

IMPLEMENT

SET GOALS

SELECT BEST ALTERNATIVE

LOOK AT ALTERNATIVES

APPROACHES TO PROBLEM SOLVING

There are five main approaches to problem solving Routine Scientific Decisional Creative Quantitative These approaches are strategies & any one approach may be suitable for the given situation.

1. Routine approach

This

approach deals with problem solving on traditional methods.

 What

has always been in the past, when such situation occurred? If we do it now the same way we may succeed.

There is Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in many departments of the hospital. These SOPs tell that what should be in a particular situation. How is it done? Who does it? When will it be done? Step by step approach to deal with the problems.

Another way - superior officers opinion and orders. Whatever they direct, instruct or order, that they are correct and follow it 100%. Such methods are of great value in medical care setting, like where the treatment of the patient is concerned.

2. Scientific approach
Identify the problem. Preliminary observation regarding the proposed scheme. Derive solutions to the problems. With the use of current knowledge and with controlled experiments investigate the proposition. The data so collected are classified and analyzed.

On the basis of analysis a tentative solution is drawn. The solution so derived is implemented in that situation. After implementation , it is evaluated for its relevance.

3. Decisional approach
This

is one of the most popular and also common approaches to deal with the problems.

First - what is the desired result. definition of the problem, various possible alternatives are sorted out then each alternative is evaluated from the point of view of its suitability and relevance. The best alternative is selected and implemented in the given situation. For any given situation several decisions can be made.

4. Creative approach
First step is to define the problem and decisions makers study the information, people and facilities involved and concentrate on interactions and outputs from the inputs. Creativity and innovations of idea is given

This method uses the ability to develop new ideas and to implement them. The core theme is to create and apply new idea. It represents a new way of achieving the desired result

5. Quantitative approach
Problem solving is done by construction of mathematical models. First define the problem and construct a mathematical model and derive a solution from the model. Evaluate the model as well as the solution drawn from the model and implement the solution to solve the problem.

The computer is of great help, when the mathematics is complex and the calculations are of large volume.