The effectiveness of clinical thinking using a problem-solving model.

Abstract

[Purpose] No established method for appropriately developing clinical thinking in physical therapy currently exists. This study examined whether clinical thinking can be appropriately developed using a problem-solving model. [Participants and Methods] Physical therapy students were asked to develop clinical thinking in the same two cases: one class using the problem-solving model and the other class using International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health concepts. Each clinical thought was scored and compared based on consistency. [Results] In both cases, students who used the problem-solving model scored higher. [Conclusion] The hierarchical structure of the problem-solving model clarified the relationship between each element and this was easy to maintain, suggesting that it facilitated appropriate clinical thinking.