An evolved perspective on critical thinking in health care managers: A concept analysis

Background: Leaders are tasked with making decisions that have substantial impact on an organization's well-being. Decision making requires critical thinking. Clinical environments are becoming more complex and demanding nowadays. Acquisition of critical thinking skills seems crucial in order to provide effective and safe services in these climates. There are various general definitions regarding critical thinking in the context of health care management which mostly have no positive correlation with clinical performance. The aim of this study is to provide an evolved perspective on critical thinking in health care managers. Methods: Eight-step Rodgers’ concept analysis approach was adopted in this analysis to provide a clear definition about critical thinking in health care managers as well as searching and analyzing online databases. The inclusion criterion included articles published during 2005-2022 in English and Persian languages (just in English or in Persian). Finally, 57 articles, 3 dissertations, were included in the analysis. Results: The extracted attributes of critical thinking were as follows: responsibility for strategic planning and thinking, making accurate and hesitant decisions and problem solving skills, using professional and inter professional communication skills, applying knowledge in managing clinical settings, organizing human and financial resources, growing of mindsets and disposition for better performances in health care managers, and supervision for insurance of health quality. Provision of critical thinking leads to positive outcomes such as effective and patient-centered care, creativity, evidence-based practices, and professionalism. Conclusion: A clear and comprehensive definition of critical thinking in health care management context was developed. This definition can correct many misconceptions and conceptual misuses about critical thinking in health care managers.