Learning objectives:
LO 1: Be able to Reflect using the 'what? so what? now what?' model
LO 2: Identify steps you can take to maintain competence
LO 3: Recognise self care is vital
Recommended study time: 5 minutes.
Let's move our attention from team member dynamics to focus on the individual. By reflecting upon our unique personality traits, actions, thoughts, attitudes, knowledge base and values we can shape ourselves into better team players.
"At its core, reflection is thinking about what you’ve done, what you did well and what you could do better next time." GMC
4.1 How to reflect?
What? Consider your thoughts during the event. Explore how they influenced a particular decision or action and how they might have affected you emotionally.
So What? Consider the importance of the event and the emotions it evoked.
Now What? Consider what you would do differently next time and reflect on those future actions. Identify opportunities and tasks that will help you grow from the experience.
Key point! In your reflection, keep patient information anonymised: do not include any identifiers such as: age, gender, job title, ethnicity*, ward/GP practice location, medical condition*.
*Unless it directly relates to the topic of reflection
Key point! Reflection does not substitute the need to escalate, record or discuss significant/serious events.
Reflect in whatever format you feel comfortable: Poem, prose, diary, art or informal discussions
When should I reflect? You may choose to reflect after a group project, a patient interaction, following feedback, a discussion or after an event that has made you question your beliefs or values.
Schwartz rounds - A guided forum where clinical and non-clinical staff share and reflect upon emotional and inter-relational healthcare experiences.
4.2 Competence: A pre-requisite to good quality healthcare
4.3 Self-care - the rubber band analogy
To reach your full potential as a team member you must look after yourself.
Activity: Using the "What? so What? now What?" framework briefly reflect on your current self care state. Think of one change you can make to move towards your stronger more resilient self. If you wish, share a self care strategy that has worked for you in the comment section below.
The E-learning module is now complete