E.2 Problem solving

Question 1

What problems are health informaticians likely to encounter?

Answer 1

1. Doing more with less 2. Doing things in less costly settings 3. Improving quality, safety, access, efficiency, effectiveness, patient satisfaction 4. Ensuring ICT use is safe and efficacious 5. Discovering knowledge from research 6. Translating knowledge into practice 7. Developing and analysing data

Question 2

What newer issues are associated with advances in ICT?

Answer 2

1. Increasing volumes of data 2. Granularity of clinical concepts 3. Dealing with images in clinical disciplines 4. Removing boundaries between patient and service 5. Leveraging technologies like 3D printing and blockchain

Question 3

What are quantum advances in ICT and biotechnology?

Answer 3

1. Nanotechnologies 2. Quantum computing 3. Artificial intelligence 4. Robotics 5. Wireless brain-computer interfacing 6. Bionics and implantable devices

Question 4

What does the PDCA methodology stand for?

Answer 4

Plan, Do, Check, Act (or Plan, Do, Study, Act)

Question 5

True or False: The PDCA methodology is often used standalone in healthcare.

Answer 5

False

Question 6

What does RCA stand for in problem-solving methodologies?

Answer 6

Root Cause Analysis

Question 7

What are the general steps in Root Cause Analysis?

Answer 7

1. Define and describe the problem 2. Gather data and evidence 3. Ask ‘why’ repetitively 4. Categorise causal factors 5. Implement corrective actions and monitor

Question 8

What are the three phases of Rapid Problem Resolution (RPR)?

Answer 8

1. Discovery 2. Investigation 3. Fixing

Question 9

What does DMAIC stand for?

Answer 9

Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control

Question 10

What is the focus of the 8D methodology?

Answer 10

Identifying and remediating recurring problems

Question 11

What are the eight disciplines of the 8D methodology?

Answer 11

• Planning the project * Defining the issue * Developing interim solutions * Analysing root causes * Validating permanent corrections * Implementing corrective actions * Implementing preventive actions * Closing the project

Question 12

What does OODA stand for?

Answer 12

Observe, Orient, Decide, Act

Question 13

What does the GROW methodology consist of?

Answer 13

Goal, Reality, Obstacles/Options, Way forward

Question 14

What are the six steps of Creative Problem Solving (CPS)?

Answer 14

• Objective finding * Data finding * Problem finding * Idea finding * Solution-finding * Acceptance finding

Question 15

What are characteristics of wicked problems?

Answer 15

• Difficult to define clearly * Many interdependencies * Unforeseen consequences * Often unstable * No clear solution * Socially complex * Require action at multiple levels

Question 16

What strategies are suggested for addressing wicked problems?

Answer 16

• Authoritative * Competitive * Collaborative

Question 17

What is required for tackling wicked problems?

Answer 17

• Holistic thinking * Innovative approaches * Working across boundaries * Effective stakeholder engagement * Tolerance of uncertainty