UNIT # 5

Active Decision Making in

Healthcare Setting
Decision Making
Definition
Decision making is the process of making
choices by identifying a decision, gathering
information, and assessing alternative
resolutions.
Decision Making Models
A decision-making model is a process used to guide teams to
make decisions that can benefit their organization. Each
model uses different methods to help you analyze and
overcome a challenge. They offer different ways to think
about a problem and identify potential solutions, which is
useful for people with different learning styles or time
constraints.
Following are the models of decision making.
1. Rational model
2. Simon’s normative model
3. Group decision making model
4. Clinical decision making model
Decision Making Models (Cont.)
1. Rational Model
Consists of a structured four-step sequence:
◦ identifying the problem
◦ generating alternative solutions
◦ selecting a solution
◦ implementing and evaluating the solution
Techniques used in rational model of decision-making are:
◦ SWOT analysis
◦ Pareto analysis
◦ Decision trees
◦ Management by Objectives (MBO)
◦ Program (or Project) Evaluation and Review Technique
(PERT)
Decision Making Models (Cont.)
2. Simon’s Normative Model
 This model based on premise that decision making is not
rational
 The model state that decision making is characterized by:
◦ limited information processing
◦ use of rules of thumb or shortcuts
◦ satisfying

3. Group Decision Making Model

 Groups can accumulate more knowledge and facts
 Groups have a broader perspective and consider more
alternative solutions.
 Individuals who participate in decisions are more satisfied
with the decision and are more likely to support it.
Decision Making Models (Cont.)
4. Clinical Decision Making Model
Banning described three clinical decision making models:
1. information-processing model that uses a scientific
hypothetic-deductive, quantitative approach,
2. the intuitive-humanistic model that focuses on intuition
and how the knowledge gained from nursing experience
enriches the clinical decision making process and
3. the clinical-decision model that uses both hypothetico-
deductive and pattern recognition.
Critical pathways are used as a technique in clinical
decision making.
Steps in Decision Making Process
A decision-making process is a series of steps taken by an
individual to determine the best option or course of action to
meet their needs.

Below are the steps of decision making process.

1. Identify the decision
2. Gather relevant information
3. Identify the alternatives
4. Weigh the evidence
5. Choose among alternatives
6. Take action
7. Review your decision & its consequences
Steps in Decision Making Process (Cont.)
1. Identify the decision
You realize that you need to make a decision. Try to clearly
define the nature of the decision you must make. This first
step is very important.

2. Gather relevant information

Collect some significant information before you make your
decision: what information is needed, the best sources of
information, and how to get it. This step involves both
internal and external “work.” Some information is internal:
you’ll seek it through a process of self-assessment. Other
information is external: you’ll find it online, in books, from
other people, and from other sources.
Steps in Decision Making Process (Cont.)
3. Identify the alternatives
As you collect information, you will probably identify several
possible paths of action, or alternatives. You can also use your
imagination and additional information to construct new
alternatives. In this step, you will list all possible and desirable
alternatives.

4. Weigh the evidence

Draw on your information and emotions to imagine what it
would be like if you carried out each of the alternatives to the
end. Evaluate whether the need identified in Step 1 would be
met or resolved through the use of each alternative. As you go
through this difficult internal process, you’ll begin to favor
certain alternatives: those that seem to have a higher potential
for reaching your goal. Finally, place the alternatives in a priority
order, based upon your own value system.
Steps in Decision Making Process (Cont.)
5. Choose among alternatives
Once you have weighed all the evidence, you are ready to
select the alternative that seems to be best one for you. You
may even choose a combination of alternatives. Your choice
in Step 5 may very likely be the same or similar to the
alternative you placed at the top of your list at the end of
Step 4.

6. Take action
You’re now ready to take some positive action by beginning
to implement the alternative you chose in Step 5.
Steps in Decision Making Process (Cont.)

7. Review your decision & its consequences

In this final step, consider the results of your decision and
evaluate whether or not it has resolved the need you
identified in Step 1. If the decision has not met the
identified need, you may want to repeat certain steps of the
process to make a new decision. For example, you might
want to gather more detailed or somewhat different
information or explore additional alternatives.