The communication imperative: a critical thinking paradigm

The communication imperative is a recognition of the fact that the interpersonal relationship between the health care provider and the client is as fundamental to building and maintaining a practice as is clinical skill. At the University of Alberta we have introduced a Critical Thinking Module in an attempt to focus on this relationship and to encourage students to examine their beliefs and attitudes in a new way. This article will examine some of the background to this decision as well as look at the course itself.