Problem Scoping. This process establishes clear requirements for creating a viable final solution. It often is initiated by the identification of a need or issue. This part of the problem-solving process focuses on the issue/need by gathering and analyzing information. In other words, you will clearly define what needs to be done prior to creating an effective solution. 

A Problem Scanning Exercise

Problem/need: Health literacy is low in the community, resulting in poorer health outcomes and higher healthcare costs.

1. What is the problem? The community has a low level of health literacy, which leads to poorer health outcomes and more expensive healthcare.
2. Gather information

What is health literacy a)? What is health literacy?

b) What is the impact of a low level of health literacy? Low health literacy is associated with poorer outcomes in terms of health, which can include medication errors, an increased rate of hospitalization, and increased healthcare expenses.

c) Which individuals are affected by low levels of health literacy? Individuals of all races and socioeconomic levels are affected by low health literacy, but those with limited education or income and who do not speak English in particular, tend to be more at risk.

What factors contribute to poor health literacy? For example, limited access to health care, language barrier, insufficient health education and complicated healthcare systems are all contributing factors.

3. Analyze the Information: It is evident from the collected information that a low level of health literacy affects many people in the community. In order to come up with a feasible solution, it is important to address the contributing factors.
4. Define requirements: The solution should address factors that contribute to low health literacy, and offer education and resources for improving health literacy within the community. It should also be culturally and age-appropriate for people of all races and backgrounds. The solution should be cost-effective and sustainable to guarantee long-term success.

The problem scope is the first step to solving a problem. This process establishes how clear and specific requirements are for a solution. We can determine the necessary requirements to effectively address the problem by gathering and analysing information. This exercise identified low levels of health literacy as a major problem. It was then analyzed to determine the solution.