LESSONS FROM TOM CHATFIELD – The Art of Criticality

Evidence-Based Medicine is a very recently used term in healthcare. It takes about 10-15 years for good research to translate into practice. However, I believe we can reduce this timeline by getting through what Tom Chatfield preaches and inculcating in our practice or while carrying out a research project.

What is good research we ask? How do we define it? Who is a good researcher?

Well, in this blog, we will briefly go through lessons of criticality in healthcare explained by Tom Chatfield in his video series and textbook to answer those questions in brief.

Good research is one where arguments are presented with logic. Arguments are simply statements(facts) with reasoning. It is upon us to critically evaluate research, appraise it, critically think about it, and put it into critical reflective practice (evidence-based healthcare). I have used the word ‘criticality’ umpteen times and will keep using it reflexively throughout the blog. But, how do you define criticality?

The following snapshot defines the word and is an amalgamation of ideas about it from my fellow classmates as an in-class exercise: -

It is under this umbrella of criticality that our clinical reasoning process resides.

To reason with the semantic work, we must have the ability to understand three important terms -

a.      Deductive reasoning – Conclusion follows the premises.

b.      Abductive Reasoning – Literally meaning ‘to take away from.’ The conclusion is taken from underlying theories.

c.       Inductive reasoning – Inclined on uncertainty and needs only one falsifying argument to refute it.

There is a very thin line of difference between all three and it is justified by premises that lead to a precise conclusion. Correct use of this can lead to a valid form of argument which is academically acceptable.

While sitting to draft an article we often are blitzed with resources. These resources can be categorized into primary (videotapes, manuscripts, person etc.) and secondary (articles, papers etc.) types. They should be reliable, reputable, unbiased, contextual, current, authoritative, accurate and representative. Once you have gathered the resources on your area of research interest, move forward with a reading strategy using the following steps-

Moreover, for research to be good enough, it should have the following -

a.      Results should be reproducible

b.      The sample should be large and representative of the particular subject

c.       Must have logic

While we look for correlations when figuring out cause and effect, there are some considerations to be made -

        i.            Not all that correlates is causation

       ii.            Cause and Effect can be misunderstood

     iii.            Third factor

     iv.            Advantage but not cause

       v.            States manipulation

     vi.            Pure chance

   vii.            Entwined cause and effect

One of the most vital facts he has jotted down in his book is using criticality in technology.

The best part of this book is that it changes the way you think about life. His practical understanding of reality is listed as the ten commandments of critical thinking. These are listed below and can be adhered to in our daily routine.

1.      First and Foremost, Slow Down

2.      Conserve Mental Energy

3.      If In Doubt, Wait

4.      Know Your Limits

5.      Beware Sunk Costs

6.      Judge Strategies, Not Results

7.      Most Things Revert to the Mean

8.      Seek Refutation Over Confirmation

9.      Beware of Your Frames of Reference

10.  Every Single Option Can Be Wrong

What is great about this man is the way he explains the concept with ease and a hint of humour.

I would like to end this blog by enclosing a few quotes/statements from his knowledge: -

“Rigorous critical thinking means explaining why we believe something to be true and being obliged to change our minds when facts change. “

“Knowing reasons can lead to better conversations”

“Dig out and challenge assumptions because they can be unexamined and untrue.”

“Misuse of logic is a weapon in the real world. The solution is to admit uncertainty in language.”

“A properly used logic is like a magnifying glass allowing us cautiously to scrutinize what we and others would like to believe.”

“One carefully formulated refutation can give us certainty by eliminating a false belief.”

“Causes are complex, and correlations are common. Do not let a good story fool you.”

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All of the above will make less sense when you thoroughly read his book.

P.S. Feel free to critically analyse this blog and send in your comments.

#TalkCriticalThinking