WHAT IS REFLECTION?
Reflection involves describing,
analysing and evaluating our
thoughts, assumptions,
beliefs,theory base and actions
(Fade, 2005).
PARTS OF REFLECTION
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•The act of describing or making
out any person or thing by
perceptible properties.
What happened? Where, when and with whom?
Example:
During my acute placement in palliative care, I
was asked by my clinical preceptor to conduct a
comprehensive pain assessment on a patient
that I had been delegated. The patient had been
diagnosed with stage four cancer and was
scheduled to undergo Voluntary Assisted Dying
(VAD) in the coming days…
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WHAT WERE YOU THINKING OR
FEELING WHEN IT HAPPENED?
Example:
I sympathised with the patient and
their family about how their initial
wishes to undergo the VAD process
may no longer be applicable. Although
I was aware of this potential outcome,
I instigated the matter promptly as I
felt concerned that my patient…
3. EVALUATION
What was good and bad about the experience?
Example:
While this experience offered me
opportunities for my own professional
development, my patient’s family members
may have perceived it as negative, as the
changing circumstances made it much more
difficult for them to grieve and accept loss…
4. ANALYSIS
THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT
SECTIONS OF YOUR REFLECTION.
WHAT CAN YOU MAKE OF THE EXPERIENCE?
WHY WAS THIS EXPERIENCE IMPORTANT TO
YOU?
DOES YOUR ANALYSIS INCORPORATE THEORY
OR EVIDENCE FROM LITERATURE?
Reflective analysis is a style of writing
that allows you to process your
personal experiences. When
performing reflective analysis, you
may discuss a particular problem or
event, thinking critically about what
happened, why and what you learned
from it. Reflective analysis can help
you understand your successes and
shortcomings and develop a plan for
handling similar situations in the
future.
5. CONCLUSION
WHAT DID YOU LEARN? WHAT ELSE COULD YOU
HAVE DONE?
Example:
This experience provided me with a practical
understanding of how fast a patient can rapidly
deteriorate. I also accumulated insights into the
legislations affecting one’s ability to make
decisions and pursue treatment options and
scheduled processes...
6. ACTION PLAN
If it were to happen again, what would you do?
How will you apply what you have learnt?
Example:
If I ever encounter similar situations, I will
follow the same methods and communication
techniques that I demonstrated through this
experience. Depending on the organisation or
environment, I may now also search for
appropriate…
TIPS FOR REFLECTIVE WRITING
Do:
• write your reflections as soon as
possible after the event
• discuss with friends or family to get
more insight and/or other perspectives
• focus on both positives and negatives.
Do not:
• include your own or another person’s
personal information
• include location or any other
identifiable information
• judge or criticize others or yourself too
harshly.