title: Creative problem-solving techniques: relevance to doctors in management?
abstract: Recent NHS reforms have had a profound impact on the role of clinicians in the field of management. Traditionally this has been a role eschewed by clinicians, but the evolution of the clinical directorate model has now encouraged senior members of the medical profession to address more positively managerial and management issues. If clinicians are to embrace enthusiastically the management role, it is clear that their awareness of the range of techniques available to them is raised to its maximum potential. In this respect, explores the relevance of some more radical creative problem-solving techniques within a practical environment. The concentration is on two specific techniques which were put to trial in real working situations. However, in addition to the techniques addressed, there are a range of alternative problem-solving techniques which may be more appropriate. Having piloted the two creative problem-solving techniques described, the practical conclusions were that their application had developed better team working and spirit, enhanced the quality of patient care delivered by the team and improved productivity and outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Chorley and District Hospital, Chorley, UK.
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Labbett
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003405:Creativity; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000458:organization & administration; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D008486:Physician Executives / Q000592:standards*; D011340:Problem Solving; D012040:Regional Health Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013222:State Medicine; D006113:United Kingdom