Reflective practice

Reflective practice is a process by which you can stop and think about your practice, consciously analyse your decision making and draw on theory, relate it to what you do in practice. The aim of this process is to develop your skills and knowledge in order to promote professional development.

Definition

Reflective practice is a way of studying your own experiences to improve the way you work. It is very useful for health professionals. It is about being critical of what you do, and why you do it, and applying that knowledge in practice.

Models of reflective practice

There are several models of reflective practice. These include the Gibbs' Reflective Cycle, Schön's reflection model, and Kolb's experiential learning cycle. Each model provides a framework for reflection, encouraging practitioners to think critically about their experiences and learn from them.

Benefits of reflective practice

Reflective practice has many benefits. It can improve decision-making, increase confidence, enhance professional development, and improve patient outcomes. It can also help health professionals to cope with the stresses and challenges of their work.

Challenges of reflective practice

Despite its benefits, reflective practice can also be challenging. It requires time, effort, and a willingness to be self-critical. It can also be emotionally difficult, as it often involves reflecting on difficult or stressful experiences.

See also

• Critical thinking
• Experiential learning
• Professional development

References

Reflective practice Resources
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