Critical thinking provides knowledge and skills for evidence-based practice

What is it about?

Critical thinking is a unique set of thinking skills that can complement clinical decision making, especially in an evidence-based context. Three sets of skills are involved. First is to understand and evaluate the clinical situation, while appreciating how your own biases and assumptions might be influencing this task. Second is to cultivate one's attitudes towards forming and changing beliefs, such as a willingness to be open-minded and fair-minded. Third is to be aware of various thinking biases, such as confirmation bias, that are perfectly natural and useful in many instances; but can trip us if we're not careful especially in a helping relationship. A brief look at how critical thinking might be taught is included.

Why is it important?

As helping professionals we have the best of intentions because we want to help people and make a positive difference in their lives. But good intentions won't be good enough if we don't also have good thinking skills to guide those good intentions.