Becoming a reflective practitioner: frameworks for the prehospital professional

Abstract

The concept of reflective practice within healthcare is not new. Reflection is a process which enhances learning and knowledge acquisition and is popular among health professionals. It appears that paramedics, emergency clinicians and student paramedics are using reflective practice as the learning tool of choice. Reflective practice is undertaken for a variety of reasons including self-development, and as a means of demonstrating accountability to the Health Professions Council (HPC). The HPC recognize reflective practice as one option that will contribute towards satisfying continuous professional development requirements for the paramedic. This article discusses origins of reflection and critical inquiry, drawing upon the work of influential characters who have allowed the reflective paradigm to become what it is today. It further discusses reflective practice, critiquing three popular models and in addition, identifies alternative models of reflection specifically designed to be used by those who work within the prehospital care setting.