Clinician's Reflection in Action

Clinician's Reflection in Action

Introduction

Reflection is a crucial element of any kind of practice and reflective practice is an essential skill to acquire in order to learn and perform in practical scenarios. This skill is sometimes not practiced by clinicians owing to time constrains encountered in busy environments (Eraut, 1995). Research and studies have though suggested that reflection is a crucial element of good practice and should be practiced for improved job satisfaction, practice outcomes and development in the level of practice. It is also essential to reflect owing to the changing nature of health care. Schon (1983) suggests that reflection can be in two ways i.e. it can either be reflection on action or reflection in action. Reflection on action is usually related to teaching in general and can also be used when teaching health care professionals while reflection in action is an advanced skill that requires the clinician to address many questions in practical scenarios so that their practice is according to the need and demand of the situation.

Discussion

Reflection in action as stated requires a series of questions whose answers are to be thought about by a clinician. Considering whether what is thought is right in a situation, the total context of the situation, looking for better and creative approaches are some of the aspects that are essential for a clinician to think about and reflect on. Furthermore, one should always ask him/herself whether any preconceived notions that one has, has an effect on their practice or have they closed their mind off any possibilities based on those notions or isn't it time to make a change and stop sticking with them. It is also sometimes important to think about any missing things that might be there, or forgetting any rules and whether all the details ...