Effect of training problem-solving skill on decision-making and critical thinking of personnel at medical emergencies

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of problem-solving training on decision-making skill and critical thinking in emergency medical personnel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is an experimental study that performed in 95 emergency medical personnel in two groups of control (48) and experimental (47). Then, a short problem-solving course based on 8 sessions of 2 h during the term, was performed for the experimental group. Of data gathering was used demographic and researcher made decision-making and California critical thinking skills questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. RESULTS: The finding revealed that decision-making and critical thinking score in emergency medical personnel are low and problem-solving course, positively affected the personnel’ decision-making skill and critical thinking after the educational program (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, this kind of education on problem-solving in various emergency medicine domains such as education, research, and management, is recommended.