An Approach to Clinical Problem Solving for Primary Health Care Student Nurses

  • Andrew Truscott Division of Rural Medicine, Wits
  • Ian Couper
Keywords: Key words, clinical problem solving process, nurse clinicians, PHC nurse training, mind maps, self teaching

Abstract

The article provides a description of a method of teaching a clinical problem-solving process to primary health care nurses/clinical nurse practitioners (PHC nurses). The process was developed in the Soweto PHC Nurse Training Unit over the past 30 years as a result of the changing availability and role of nurse and doctor teaching staff. Students doing the diploma for nurse clinicians (Diploma in Clinical Nursing Science, Health Assessment, Treatment and Care) are guided in the use of mind maps, assisted by constant clinical practice and group discussions to develop their clinical problem-solving process. This method has assisted in clinical training.

Author Biography

Andrew Truscott, Division of Rural Medicine, Wits
Truscott A. M.B.BCh (Wits), M.F.G.P. (S.A.), H Dip Ad Ed (Wits) Correspondence to: Andrew Truscott, Division of Rural Health, Department of Family Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg. 011 717 2004. Email: andrew.truscott@wits.ac.za Word count: 2753
Published
2009-11-22
Issue
Vol 52, No 1 - January/February 2010
Section
Original Research
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