Importance of reflective practice in healthcare

Reflective practice is that ability to reflect on one’s actions so as to engage in a process of continual learning.

Donald Schon.1

The General Medical Council (GMC) guide to Good Medical Practice states that doctors must contribute to and comply with systems to protect patients. One element of this is regular reflection on the standards of practice and the care an individual doctor provides. However, many clinicians find recording their reflections in a meaningful way can be a challenge.

Reflection is personal and there is no one way to reflect.

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges2

The purpose of this article is not to convert every reader to become a poet or poetry lover, but to stimulate thought and discussion around a novel method for reflective practice.