Thought for application and application with thought: issues in theoretical thinking and practical wisdom.
Both theoretical thinking and practical wisdom are used by health professionals in their clinical practice. Lately, discussion has centered on the abstract phrase "theory-practice gap." The health profession is not the only discipline that seeks unity in theory and practice issues. Education is also building bridges in this arena. One reoccurring myth is the notion that theory and practice are separate; as a result, this gives a mistaken impression that theory serves no purpose in practice. Discussion of the issues in this paper includes definitions of theoretical thinking and practical wisdom, theoretical and practical knowledge development, and relevance to health professional's education, practice and science. These issues must be communicated to practitioners, educators and theorists. A collective definition to begin communication is proposed and suggestions are offered for addressing key issues.
Jenkins
Sandra K
SK
Prairie View A & M University, 1801 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002, USA. Sandra_Jenkins@pvamu.edu
Thomas
Mary Beth
MB
D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007600:Judgment; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D014481:United States