Your comments will be graded on how well they meet the Discussion Requirements posted under “Before You Begin.”
A poem by T.S. Eliot (1943) says, “We had the experience but missed the meaning.” As your experience in this course comes to a close, I don’t want you to miss the meaning of the materials you have read, papers you have written, and discussions we have had throughout the session. They are more than a series of assignments and grades—the end result should be an improvement in your higher-order thinking and your ability to make connections between thoughts and ideas. You can achieve that through reflection, the art of taking charge of your own mind.
Reflection is a mental process that challenges you to use critical thinking to examine the course information, analyze it carefully, make connections with previous knowledge and experience, and draw conclusions based on the resulting ideas. A well-cultivated critical thinker (Paul & Elder, 2008):
- raises vital questions and problems, formulating them clearly and precisely;
- gathers and assesses relevant information, using abstract ideas to interpret it effectively; comes to well-reasoned conclusions and solutions, testing them against relevant criteria and standards;
- thinks open-mindedly within alternative systems of thought, recognizing and assessing, as need be, their assumptions, implications, and practical consequences; and
- communicates effectively with others in figuring out solutions to complex problems.
For this discussion, take some time to reflect upon two concepts that you learned in this course. What are the concepts? What insight or ideas did you gain from learning each of these concepts? Were there aspects of the concepts that you would challenge? What is the importance of these concepts to public health? How will you use this new wisdom in your current or future career?
In order to earn maximum credit, the comment should be more than your opinion, and more than a quick “off the top of your head” response. Be sure to support your statements, cite sources properly, cite within the text of your comments, and list your reference(s). The response must be a minimum of 250 words.
Britton, B. & Serrat (2013). Reflective Practice. Retrieved from
Eliot, T. S. (1944) Four Quartets, The Dry Salvages, pt. 2. London.
Paul, R. & Elder, L. (February 2008). The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools. Foundation for Critical Thinking Press.
Expert Solution Preview
Two concepts that have been particularly impactful in this course are evidence-based medicine and social determinants of health. These concepts have provided valuable insight into understanding and addressing health issues in a holistic and comprehensive manner.
Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is the integration of clinical expertise, patient values, and the best available evidence in medical decision-making. Through learning about EBM, I have gained an understanding of the importance of critically evaluating and applying research evidence in the clinical setting. This concept has highlighted the need to move away from anecdotal or outdated practices and embrace a more systematic and scientific approach to healthcare. It has also emphasized the significance of shared decision-making with patients, taking into account their preferences and values while providing evidence-based recommendations.
Social determinants of health (SDOH) refer to the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes. This concept has shed light on the broader societal factors that contribute to health disparities and inequities. Understanding SDOH has helped me recognize that health outcomes are not solely determined by individual behaviors or genetic factors, but are also heavily influenced by social structures and policies. Recognizing and addressing these determinants is crucial in promoting health equity and reducing health disparities. It has also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with communities to create effective and sustainable interventions.
While these concepts have provided valuable insights, there are certain aspects of them that can be challenging. For example, evidence-based medicine requires a critical appraisal of research articles, which can be time-consuming and complex. Additionally, social determinants of health encompass a wide range of factors, making it difficult to address them comprehensively. However, these challenges can be overcome through continued education, collaboration with colleagues, and utilization of resources and tools available in the field.
Both evidence-based medicine and social determinants of health are of utmost importance to public health. By incorporating evidence-based medicine into clinical practice, healthcare professionals can ensure that their decision-making is based on the best available evidence, leading to improved patient outcomes. Similarly, recognizing and addressing social determinants of health is crucial in reducing health disparities and promoting health equity. These concepts provide a framework for understanding and addressing the complex interplay between individual, social, and environmental factors that shape health.
In my current and future career, I will utilize the wisdom gained from these concepts to deliver high-quality healthcare and advocate for health equity. By applying evidence-based medicine principles, I will consistently evaluate and integrate the latest research evidence into my practice. Furthermore, I will actively consider and address social determinants of health when managing patients, recognizing the impact of social factors on health outcomes. Additionally, I will strive to engage in interdisciplinary collaborations and advocate for policies that address social determinants of health, aiming to improve population health and reduce health disparities.
References:
Britton, B. & Serrat (2013). Reflective Practice. Retrieved from
Eliot, T. S. (1944) Four Quartets, The Dry Salvages, pt. 2. London.
Paul, R. & Elder, L. (February 2008). The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools. Foundation for Critical Thinking Press.
