Creative Problem Solving

• Nursing

The Six Dimensions of Wellness Model

Which of the 6 dimensions of wellness is the most important?

1. Intellectual and Emotional
2. Physical and Spiritual
3. Occupational and Social
4. They are all equally important

Watson’s Sixth 

Caritas Process

• Using creative scientific problem-solving approach to nursing practice.

• According to Watson Caring Science Institute (2021). Watson's 6th Caritas Process :

"Deepen (Creative Self) by creatively problem-solving-'solution-seeking' through caring process; full use of self and artistry of caring-healing practices via use of all ways of knowing/being/doing/becoming".

Figure 1. 10 Caritas processes®. (WCSI, 2021).

Problem Solving in Healthcare 

• Healthcare teams must rely on an evaluation of the factors involved in a decision, and the risks and consequences of their actions. 
• Things can change unexpectedly, all members of the healthcare team need to be trained to be problem solvers

1.  Identify the problem.
2. List all solutions. 
3.  Name the consequences of each solution. 
4. Evaluate and choose the best course of action.

Figure 2. Creative problem solving is an important skill to have. (Nolan, 2017)

Creative Problem Solving

Four Step Process

Let's solve a problem together: 

A new resident is admitted to your facility who can only speak a foreign language that none of the staff know. What do you do?

The true problem must be clearly understood and identified.

• Gather all the facts (assemble all the information)
• Ask specific questions
• Stay as objective as possible

Figure 3. Creative Problem Solving at Work. (Lucidchart Content Team, 2021). 

Step 1 - Identify the problem

What are some specific situations that may be created by the problem?

Hint: Think about important pieces of information that need to be shared between a CNA and resident. What problems may occur when this can't happen?

What is the problem?

Language is the "main problem" 

what are other factors that are included in the problem. 

Not just "don't speak same language"

can't communicate pain

can't communicate in emergency

don't know history? allergies?

Step 2 –  Brainstorm Possible Solutions

Rules for brainstorming:

• Limit the discussion to one issue or problem.
  
• Set a time limit to encourage creativity and quick thinking.
  
• No evaluating of any kind is allowed. The goal is quantity, not quality.
• Encourage members to build on what has been said and modify the ideas.
• Have a recorder write down every idea.

Figure 4. Best Brainstorming Techniques. (Boonstra, 2017)

After all are listed, identify the most common solution

What are some
possible solutions?

Not just "get a translator"

how can we communicate with this person in other ways? 

choose top 3 solutions 

Step 3 – Identify all the possible consequences 

• These may have positive or negative  outcomes. 
• Depending on the problem, the group may want to divide and research possible solutions before identifying consequences.

of the top 3 solutions 

After listed, identify top 3

What are all the
possible consequences?

• Rank ideas according to those that have the greatest potential for success. 
• Finally, choose a solution to the problem.

Step 4 – Label each consequence as positive or negative 

Positive

Negative

Our #1 consequence

Our #2 consequence

Our #3 consequence

Group Case Study

With your assigned group, discuss and present a case that utilizes creative scientific problem-solving to make important decisions. 

References

Boonstra, A. (2017). The best brainstorming techniques. Denterlein. http://www.denterlein.com/blog/best-brainstorming-techniques

Hettler, B. (1976). Six dimensions of wellness model. National Wellness Institute. https://nationalwellness.org/resources/six-dimensions-of-wellness/

Lucidchart Content Team. (2021). How you can use creative problem solving at work. Lucid Software Inc. https://www.lucidchart.com/blog/how-to-use-creative-problem-solving-at-work

Nolan, N. (2017). An easy way to improve your creative problem solving skills. Sandbox Advisors. http://www.sandboxadvisors.com/work-performance-management/improve-creative-problem-solving

The Watson Caring Science Institute (WCSI). (2021). 10 Caritas processes®.  https://www.watsoncaringscience.org/jean-bio/caring-science-theory/10-caritas-processes/