Problem Solving

Why is it required?

To perform a given task ;– quickly, – efficiently, and – as comfortably as possible for the

patient.

Introduction

When RT is assigned to a particular patient, he must decide how to perform the assigned task quickly, efficiently, and as comfortably as possible for the patient.

Before beginning a diagnostic imaging or therapeutic procedure, he must go through a problem –solving process.

This may be done in writing initially and may later become a simple thought process.

Steps in problem solving

Step 1 – Assessment (Data collection) Step 2 – Analyzing Step 3 - Listing the potential

problems and setting a goal. Step 4 – Formulating a Plan Step 5 - Evaluation

Step 1 – Assessment (Data collection)

Date that effects how the procedure will be performed will include :• Subjective data: includes anything

that the patient or accompanying person might say that is pertinent to the procedure.

• Objective Data; Anything that the RT sees, hears, smells, feels, reads on a hospital chart,

or Reported to him about the patient by

another health worker who has care for the patient.

Step 2 – Analyzing

After the data has been gathered, it should be analyzed

(e.g., the patient is unable to stand, he has difficulty breathing, he is disoriented).

Irrelevant data should be disregarded and relevant data listed in priority order.

Step 3 - Listing the potential problems and setting a goal.

List the problems that will be encountered.

Set a goal or target to achieve by performing the procedure

Step 4 – Formulating a Plan

Prepare a plan to overcome the problems and to achieve the goal

Patient involvement in this process is recommended because the patient will more willing to cooperate to achieve the goal if he feels that he is partially responsible for a successful examination or treatment.

Performing the task

Perform the task The use of systematic problem

solving allows the RT to accomplish his work assignment in a minimum amount of time with the least amount of effort for him and the greatest comfort and safety for the patient.

Step 5 - Evaluation

After each procedure is complete, it should be evaluated. The RT should ask himself the following questions:• How did the plan work?• What problems arose that I did not

anticipate?• What must I do differently next time?

Result of evaluation

If this type of evaluation is done after caring for each patient, you will rapidly grow in professionalism and skill.

Summary

The use of systematic problem solving allows the RT to accomplish his work assignment in a minimum amount of time with the least amount of effort for him and the greatest comfort and safety for the patient.

The problem solving procedure may be done in writing initially and may later become a simple thought process.

End of problem solving

Next Summary of what we have

learned so far

Summary of the lessons

Health care services in Sri Lanka Health care Administration Hospital staffing Members of the Health care team Role of the Radiographers/

Radiological Technologists Professionalism of Radiological

technology

Professionalism of Radiological Technology

Radiography (Radiologic technology) has become a complex and highly specialized profession.

The person who selects this profession must :– Be aware of the ethical and legal constraints

that will govern his practice as a member of that profession

– Be willing to accept these constraints. – learn the Principles of Professional Conduct for

Radiographers and adhere to these principles. – Be aware of the rights of the patient and treat

each patient as a human being with dignity and worth.

The patient The patient who comes for a diagnostic

imaging procedure or radiotherapy procedure is often fearful and anxious because his basic needs are threatened.

Grieving and handicapped patients present particular problems that must be recognized and dealt with.

By means of therapeutic communication techniques, the RT can decrease the patient anxiety.

Effective communication is often the key to a successful examination or treat5ment; therefore, it is essential for the RT to become a successful communicator.

Problem-solving & planning

The RT will need to plan the patient’s care before he begins to work.

A systematic problem-solving process that includes assessment, data analysis, setting a goal, establishing a plan to achieve the goal, an evaluating the work done is require for efficiency and safety in completing assignments.