Reflection

Reflection is a key process in the development of advanced practitioners, focusing on self-awareness, critical thinking, and continuous learning. It involves the deliberate process of examining one’s own clinical experiences, actions, and decisions to identify strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement. By reflecting on their practice, advanced practitioners gain valuable insights into how they approach patient care, interact with colleagues, and navigate complex clinical situations.

The use of reflection in advanced practice development serves multiple purposes. It helps practitioners evaluate and refine their clinical skills, improve decision-making, and enhance their ability to provide high-quality, patient-centred care. Reflection also fosters emotional resilience and professional growth by encouraging individuals to critically assess their experiences, learn from them, and apply those lessons in future practice. Additionally, reflection supports lifelong learning and is a critical component of professional revalidation and competence frameworks. By integrating reflection into their routine practice, advanced practitioners can continue to evolve, ensuring they meet the ever-changing demands of healthcare and contribute to improved patient outcomes.

Reflection Template

Use this template to:

✔️ Evaluate your own decision making, reasoning and application of skills

✔️ Record your progress and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) on the Centre for Advancing Practice Portal