SUMMARY
Reflection is a wide-ranging term for a process that can take place informally over a coffee, or more formally in terms of a learning conversation or journal writing. It can be an internal process, or can take place with others in the workplace, or between friends and family. This module explores the many variations of reflection, its use in both individual and collaborative practice and its benefits not just in the training years but beyond into established professional practice. Its purposes are multiple: to develop or to consolidate practice; to provide reassurance or criticality; to improve performance or understanding; to enhance the quality of patient care or to provide respite from the complex, demanding workplace.
To maximize the chances of your reflective practice working for you, you should pay attention to the following points:
- Be clear about the reasons for reflecting; why are you doing it and what do you want to achieve?
- Be honest to yourself in examining your values, beliefs, emotions, assumptions, and motives for action
- Think about what can realistically be achieved in the time available
- If reflecting with others, be aware of issues of professional confidentiality, clinical governance and ethics
- Develop a network of peer reflection buddies with whom you can reciprocate listening and reflecting
- Reflection is a part of lifelong learning and does not stop when you finish being a student or trainee. It can often be even more beneficial to the experienced professional
- Good reflection can contribute to minimising the stressful effects of a job, collaboration with colleagues and teams and can improve systems and patient care.