PROBLEM-SOLVING

1. METHODS OF
ACQUIRING
KNOWLEDGE
BY: MRS. PRECILLAC. STEPHEN

2. INTRODUCTION
A well – developed and reliable body of knowledge is a foundation for any
profession. Knowledge can be acquired from highly structured as well as
loosely arranged processes or method. Nursing professionals largely believe in
development of knowledge from highly structured methods such as problem
solving, scientific method and research.

3. PROBLEM SOLVING
In problem solving, nurses try to understand a problem, and search
for possible solutions.
In this approach, Possible solutions are carefully evaluated and one
of them is chosen for implementation.
The solution is carefully monitored over time to ensure the initial and
continued effectiveness of the solution.

4. The nurse does not discard the other solution, but holds them in
reserve in the event that the first solution is not effective other
choices can be used.
The nurse may even encounter a similar problem in relation to a
different patient, where an alternative solution may be determined to
be the most effective. Therefore, problem solving for one situation
contributes to the nurse’s knowledge for problem solving in order
similar situations.

5. PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS
The problem – solving process consists of a series of steps that are followed
depending on the type of problem to be solved. There are as follows:
■ Problem definition
■ Problem analysis
■ Generating possible solution
■ Analysing the solutions
■ Selecting the best solution
■ Implementing the solution
■ Evaluation and revision

6. 1. PROBLEM DEFINTION
The normal process for solving a problem initially involves defining
the problem which is to be solved.
In this first stage, there is a need to write down what exactly the
problem entails, which helps to identify the real problem that is
under study and needs an immediate solution.
This is considered as the most essential step of the problem – solving
process because without this the next steps cannot be executed.

7. 2. PROBLEM ANALYSIS
The next step is to analyse how the problem affects the researcher and bis or
her current situation and the other people involved in the situation.
Analysis helps in understanding the source of the problem, and how it affects
the current developments and the researcher’s environment.
After this investigation, it is often good to reconfirm if the initial problem
definition is still valid.
Frequently, after analysis and investigation people discover that the problem
they really want answered is very different from their original interpretations.

8. 3. GENERATING POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
When the real problem is discovered, its contributing factors should
be investigated.
At this stage, focus must be on identifying and generating all
possible solutions for a problem.
Each potential idea for solution must be considered without
discarding it through value judgement; however, each idea should be
treated as a new idea in its own right and worthy of consideration.

9. 4. ANALYSING THE SOLUTION
In this section of the problem – solving process, various factors
about each of the potential solutions are investigated, wherein all the
positive and negative aspects of each solution are analysed.

10. 5. SELECTING THE BEST SOLUTION
At this stage, an attempt is made to compare the available solutions,
and eventually the best solution is selected based on the careful
judgement, which is supposed to solve the problem swiftly and
smoothly.

11. 6. IMPLEMENTING THE SOLUTIONS
The final step of the problem-solving process is to practically
solve the problem by implementing the selected solutions.

12. 7. EVALUATION AND REVISION
This is the final stage of the problem-solving process where after implantation
of the most potential solution, an evaluation is made to judge the effectiveness
of the solution in resolving the problem. This stage also helps to redefine the
problem and revise the problem-solving process in case the initial solution fails
to manage the problem effectively.