The goal of this scenario is to assess and train mid-level public health professionals in the application of critical thinking as a means of solving problems related to community preparedness for public health emergencies, such as an Influenza Pandemic.

The scenario is based on the Critical Thinking course as well as using the established model of Critical Thinking that has six steps:

1. Identify and Define the Problem
2. Gather Information
3. Develop Alternatives
4. Select an Alternative
5. Implement the Solution
6. Evaluate the Solution

Intended Audience

Mid-level public health professionals and/or those responsible for community preparedness planning

Learning Objectives

After completion of the course, learners should be able to:

• Identify the problem and resulting issues
• Assess the information and resources to effectively address the problem.
• Identify any constraints on possible solutions to a problem situation.
• Employ an appropriate method to effectively generate alternative solutions to a problem situation
• Develop an action plan for implementing a solution to the problem.

Pre-requisites/Learning Level

No pre-requisites

Competencies addressed

PERLC Competencies (KSA)

Domain I: Model Leadership

1.1 Solve Problems under emergency conditions

1. Recognize emergency conditions and the resulting problems
2. Evaluate the level of hazard or risk
3. Prioritize problems based on level of hazard and degree of risk
4. Analyze dysfunctions within a public health emergency response system
5. Assure responsibility for responding when needed in the event of public health emergency
6. Summarize the means, methods, and processes for solving the problems
7. Prioritize problems based on severity, urgency, and solvability
8. Assess information, resources and procedures necessary to address the problems in emergency situations
9. Implement action to solve the problems in timely fashion
10. Differentiate among the consequences of specific decisions
11. Assume responsibility for taking specific actions that further organizational mission or population health in the presence of a public health emergency
12. Explain how different personality types impact performance during emergency situations
13. Maintain awareness of one’s own tolerance for risk
14. Recognize the ethical and moral implications of decisions made through a chain of command
15. Refer problems that fall outside one’s scope of authority to the appropriate person in the chain of command.

CEUs Offered

None

Cost

Free

Modality/format

Online Self-Pace

Length

1 hour

Presenter(s) and/or Content Experts

David Freeman

Technical requirements

• Adobe Acrobat Reader 
• Flash Player 
• Speakers

Registration requirements

Register a free account

Creation and/or update

March 22, 2013