Integrated Maternal and Newborn Care Basic Skills Course ...
Integrated Maternal and Newborn Care Basic Skills Course ...
Integrated Maternal and Newborn Care Basic Skills Course ...
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Reference Manual<br />
CHAPTER 2: Clinical Decision-Making<br />
THE PROBLEM-SOLVING METHOD<br />
Clinical decision-making is the systematic process by which skilled providers make judgments<br />
regarding a patient's condition, diagnosis, <strong>and</strong> treatment. Skilled providers possess the skills<br />
<strong>and</strong> knowledge to perform procedures correctly. It is not enough to just perform procedures<br />
correctly, however. You must also choose the correct procedure to meet the woman or infant’s<br />
needs. In addition, you must be able to choose the right time to use a particular clinical skill. The<br />
problem-solving method guides you in giving care that is safe <strong>and</strong> effective, provides an<br />
organized way to approach <strong>and</strong> manage care, <strong>and</strong> uses skills <strong>and</strong> processes that are common<br />
in everyday life.<br />
Why Is It Important to Use the Problem-Solving Method?<br />
Using a methodical approach to solve problems has three advantages:<br />
• It helps you gather information in an organized manner.<br />
• It helps you gather complete information so that a problem can be correctly identified.<br />
• It helps you avoid using interventions that are not needed.<br />
Steps in Resolving a Problem<br />
The key steps in problem-solving are noted in Table 2.<br />
Step 1: History<br />
Table 2. Steps in the Problem-Solving Method<br />
Take a targeted history.<br />
Step 2: Physical examination<br />
Step 3: Identification of<br />
problems/needs<br />
Step 4: <strong>Care</strong> plan<br />
Step 5: Follow-up<br />
Perform a targeted physical examination.<br />
Identify needs <strong>and</strong> problems.<br />
Make a plan of care based on identified needs <strong>and</strong><br />
problems.<br />
Follow up with the client to evaluate the care that has<br />
been provided.<br />
This step repeats all the steps of the problem-solving<br />
method, starting with step 1.<br />
Step 1: Take a targeted history<br />
In this step providers will ask specific questions (what, how, where, when, who, why) about a<br />
problem to help make a diagnosis or determine the cause of the problem. Ask the client why<br />
she has come. The reason for seeking care is called the “chief complaint.” The provider asks<br />
the client about the problem (signs, symptoms, etc.) or stated need (vaccination, antenatal care<br />
<strong>Integrated</strong> maternal <strong>and</strong> newborn care<br />
<strong>Basic</strong> skills course<br />
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