The lesson started with a recap of the previous lesson. The recap was quite helpful because this prepared me for the next session. We briefly discussed the modules outcomes. and focused on the learning objectives.

The lesson was introduced, we discussed the definition of critical thinking in the context of nursing and healthcare.

We also discussed the importance of critical thinking in clinical decision-making and evidence-based practice, and to understand and apply the CRAAP model to research.

Critical thinking can be defined as the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue to form a judgement. In order words it is all about to clarify, identify, analyse, evaluate, and to create.

 

Critical thinking is important in healthcare for the following reasons:

• To improve clinical decision-making.
• To enable patient safety
• Adopting to evolving healthcare and to
• Promote evidence-based practice.

We discussed some barriers to critical thinking; they are as follows:

• Cognitive bias,
• Emotional influence,
• Time constraints,
• Stress and fatigue,
• Workplace culture,
• Overreliance on authority.

Some examples of critical thinking are:

Medication Administration

Patient Assessment

Prioritisation of Care

Evaluating Evidence-Based Research

Ethical Decision-Making.

A simple critical thinking framework Currency Relevance Authority Accuracy and Purpose (CRAAP)

We discussed some key concept with regards critical thinking in nursing.

• Improve clinical decision-making – evaluating patient data, weighting evidence, and considering.
• Enhancing patient safety – to prevent errors by assessing risks and considering all variables before actions.
• Adapting to evolving healthcare – critical thinking is crucial for integrating new researching, technology, and guidelines.
• Evidence -Based Practice – apply research critically to make informed, patient centred decision.
• Identify and overcoming bias – recognising cognitive biases to improve objective reasoning.

 

We also discussed the evidence-based decision-making and defined it as an Integrating clinical expertise, patient preferences, and the best available evidence to make informed decisions. We say this is importance because it ensures that clinical decisions are based on high-quality, up to date evidence. We use PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) framework to structure clinical questions.

We had a scenario where in example: You are caring for a patient with chronic back pain and want to find the best intervention to reduce pain. Physical Therapy Vs Pain Management

PICO Framework:

P (Population): Adult patients with chronic back pain

I (Intervention): Physical therapy

C (Comparison): Pain medication

O (Outcome): Reduction in pain levels.

In evaluating the outcomes of interventions, you asked yourself a question why you evaluate? The answer to this question is to ensure the chosen intervention is effective in improving patient outcomes, and the following methods are used to evaluate the intervention.

• Clinical audits
• Patient feedback and satisfaction surveys
• Monitoring vital signs and recovery rates
• Performance metrics (e.g., reduction in readmission rates)

There are professional barriers or challenges in Evidence Based Practice, they are as follows:

• Time Constraints: this means with limited time to review evidence during clinical shifts.
• Resource Availability: Lack of access to high-quality evidence or clinical tools.
• Ethical Considerations: Balancing patient preferences with evidence-based recommendations.
• Resistance to Change: Overcoming reluctance from colleagues to adopt new, evidence-based practices.
• Patient Preferences and Values: Patients may have preferences that conflict with research evidence, such as choosing alternative therapies over evidence-based treatments.

 

 

 

 

KSBs ADDRESSED.

 

KNOWLEDGE

K1: Understand the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives, and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and how to fulfil all registration requirements.

K4: Understand the principles of research and how research findings are used to inform evidence-based practice.

K6: Understand and apply relevant legal, regulatory and governance requirements, policies, and ethical frameworks, including any mandatory reporting duties, to all areas of practice.

K7: Understand the importance of courage and transparency and apply the Duty of Candour.

K8: Understand how discriminatory behaviour is exhibited.

K10: Understand the principles of epidemiology, demography, and genomics and how these may influence health and well-being outcomes.

K11: Understand the factors that may lead to inequalities in health outcomes.

K30: Understand the principles of health and safety legislation and regulations and maintain safe work and care environments.

K33: Understand when to seek appropriate advice to manage a risk and avoid compromising quality of care and health outcomes.

K37: Understand the challenges of providing safe nursing care for people with complex co-morbidities and complex care needs.

K43: Understand the influence of policy and political drivers that impact health and care provision Skills.

 

SKILLS

 

S1: Act in accordance with the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives, and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and fulfil all registration requirements.

S3: Recognise and report any factors that may adversely impact safe and effective care provision.

S5: Safely demonstrate evidence-based practice in all skills and procedures required for entry to the register: Standards of proficiency for nursing associates Annex A & B (NMC 2018).

S7: Communicate effectively using a range of skills and strategies with colleagues and people at all stages of life and with a range of mental, physical, cognitive, and behavioural health challenges.

S9: Develop, manage, and maintain appropriate relationships with people, their families, carers, and colleagues.

S11: Report any situations, behaviours or errors that could result in poor care outcomes.

S43: Contribute to team reflection activities to promote improvements in practice and services.

 

BEHAVIOUR.

B1: Treat people with dignity, respecting individual’s diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy, and preferences.

B2: Show respect and empathy for those you work with, have the courage to challenge areas of concern and work to evidence based best practice.

B3: Be adaptable, reliable, and consistent, show discretion, resilience, and self-awareness.