Creative Thinking and Problem Solving

 

Problem solving has traditionally focused on constraining human behaviors to optimize system performance, but inhibiting behavior has the unwanted side effect of inhibiting creativity and innovation as well. In today’s complex and ever-changing environment, stifling creativity and innovation are dangerous strategies. Creative Problem Solving will explore methods for solving problems with creativity while accounting for human limitations and explore reasons that innovation can be challenging. Methods for stimulating new ideas while maintaining order and stability in the laboratory setting will be presented. Cycles of innovation and stabilization will be key to surviving in the current healthcare environment.

Originally presented on September 13, 2021, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Lecture Presenter

Michele Fisher, MT(ASCP), ASQ, CLSSGB

Michele Fisher, MT(ASCP), ASQ, CLSSGB

Improvement Specialist III
ARUP Laboratories

Michele Fisher is an Improvement Specialist at ARUP Laboratories and has worked in quality systems at ARUP for over 24 years. In addition, Michele has worked and taught as a registered Medical Technologist for 17 years in laboratory disciplines including Transfusion Medicine, Immunology, Chemistry, and Hematology. She has served as the compliance coordinator and quality specialist for Transfusion Medicine and served on the ARUP Continuous Quality Improvement Board. Michele has served on the board of the local UAHQ chapter as the Education Council Co-chair. Currently, Michele is active in continual improvement instruction and mentoring continual improvement projects at ARUP.

Objectives

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Discuss the learned skills that enable creative thinking
  • Describe the scientific method for creative problem solving
  • Apply the methods of innovative problem solving to the laboratory environment

Sponsored by:

University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, and ARUP Laboratories