The Need for Change in Medical Sciences Education: A Step Towards Developing Critical Thinking

The 21st century is the era of continuous changes in the way modern medical and scientific world functions, thus the need for adaptation in complex systems becomes paramount. In such a dynamic society optimum standard of survival may depend on the ability of individuals and groups to investigate multiple alternatives or choices and finally make wise decisions. Therefore, the need for critical thinking skills is an absolute vitality for today’s health science professionals. Education is the most powerful tool in developing learning skills and the main aim of every educational institution is to assist students and trainees to achieve such end. Besides professional competency, the main aim of medical sciences education is to develop students’ ability in decision making ability and problem solving, and leading them to become efficient critical thinkers. Critical thinking skills are vital in coping with the unprecedented rapid changes occurring in health care field. In order to cope with the complexity of today’s medical issues, nurses and physicians need to equip themselves to critical thinking ability so that they can offer the most effective services and treatments for their patients and clients. It seems that there is challenge in training capable and skilful graduates in Iran medical education system. Hence, essential actions are needed to uplift the standard of medical education in this country. To this end, urgent priority should be given both to development and improvement of critical thinking skills of students and trainees of health field. First, based on authors’ experiences, some of the barriers for critical thinking skills nursing of students is reviewed. Then, based on literature review and panel of experts’ viewpoints a suggested solution in a graphical format, is suggested. Planning for an urgent action is also suggested to improve critical thinking skills of students and trainees in health field which seemingly is a challenge in iran nursing education system.