Reflective Practice Examples

Reflective practice is an integral part of the development and enhancement of understanding in medical radiation. A practitioner’s ability to access, understand and learn through work experiences is an example of reflective practice, to allow them to achieve more desirable, effective and satisfying work (Johns, 1995). Within reflective practice there are two various types of reflection; reflection in action and reflection on action. Reflection in action is the process in which a practitioner, while still performing a procedure, recognizes a new situation or problem, and thinks about it (Atkins and Murphy, 1994). Whereas reflection on action is when a practitioner reflects retrospectively to practice to uncover accompanying feelings and knowledge used in a particular situation (Atkins and Murphy, 1994). It is beneficial to view reflective practice as a continuum, it aides in

An example in which reflective practice should have been applied in Michelle’s journey of treatment, was the way in which staff in the radiation therapy department at Peter Mac had treated her on her first day. All staff were focused on how to hoist her breast for the scans, however they did not consider asking the patient about her comfort, or informing her adequately on what they were discussing. Through my own personal reflective practice of listening to Michelle’s journey, by applying reflection on action the staff could have communicated more with Michelle and ensure she was comfortable and adequately informed about all procedures taking place. It is important to note that in this circumstance without reflecting upon individuals actions patients could feel discomfort and uneasy in practice and therefore reflective practice is an essential part in medical