title: The communication imperative: a critical thinking paradigm.
abstract: The communication imperative is a recognition of the fact that the interpersonal relationship between the health care provider and the client is as fundamental to building and maintaining a practice as is clinical skill. At the University of Alberta we have introduced a Critical Thinking Module in an attempt to focus on this relationship and to encourage students to examine their beliefs and attitudes in a new way. This article will examine some of the background to this decision as well as look at the course itself.
authors.affiliation: University of Alberta.
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Edgington
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D003756:Dental Hygienists / Q000523:psychology; D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D006801:Humans; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D013850:Thinking