title: Implementation and evaluation of critical thinking strategies to enhance critical thinking skills in Middle Eastern nurses.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop, implement and evaluate critical thinking strategies to enhance critical thinking skills in Middle Eastern nurses. Critical thinking strategies such as questioning, debate, role play and small group activity were developed and used in a professional development programme, which was trialled on a sample of Middle Eastern nurses (n = 20), to promote critical thinking skills, encourage problem solving, development of clinical judgment making and care prioritization in order to improve patient care and outcomes. Classroom learning was transformed from memorization to interaction and active participation. The intervention programme was successful in developing critical thinking skills in both the nurse educators and student nurses in this programme. This programme successfully integrated critical thinking strategies into a Middle Eastern nursing curriculum. Recommendations are as follows: (1) utilize evidence-based practice and stem questions to encourage the formulation of critical thinking questions; (2) support the needs of nurse educators for them to effectively implement teaching strategies to foster critical thinking skills; and (3) adopt creative approaches to (i) transform students into interactive participants and (ii) open students' minds and stimulate higher-level thinking and problem-solving abilities.
authors.affiliation: Regis Corinya, New Farm, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. elaine_phd@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Courtney
mesh_terms: D003479:Curriculum; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D008611:Mentors; D008877:Middle East; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D011361:Professional Competence; D013850:Thinking