For ongoing learning and growth in the field of professional development, especially in areas like healthcare, education, and social work, reflection is essential. There are several reflection models, such as Gibbs's model, the Rofle model, the Brookfield model and Driscoll's model of reflection.
Here we are discussing Driscoll's model of reflection, which is an organised framework that facilitates this process. Considering this, the Driscoll model is among the most fundamental models of reflection that you could come upon. Driscoll made it in 1994, 2004 and 2007. Most students from nursing look for these models and sometimes get confused between models and ask, What is the difference between Gibbs's and Driscoll's models of reflection? Or what are the models of reflection?
Well, three fundamental models of reflection are reflection on action, reflection in action, and reflection for action. These models provide frameworks for comprehending and refining one's practice by carefully weighing experiences from the past, present, and future.
Furthermore, if you are a nursing student and practitioner or work in a healthcare department and want to learn more about this model, keep reading this blog. This is a detailed article on the Driscoll model of reflection. You can also get our expert nursing essay help online to get a clearer understanding of this concept and complete your academic writing tasks under professional guidance.
This article also outlines the procedures, applications, and outcomes of a reflective work approach, as well as the necessary abilities, qualities, and advice. You will comprehend the fundamentals of this personal growth and reflection tool after reading this blog. Have fun while reading!
What is the Driscoll Model of Reflection?
You must have this question in mind: What is this Driscoll model of reflection? Well, mostly utilised in the nursing and healthcare industries, the Driscoll model of reflection is an organised method of learning from experience that aids in scenario analysis, learning point identification, and future action planning.
The systematic method of reflection known as Driscoll's Model is frequently applied in clinical practice and nursing education. Without requiring outside references, it seeks to make a comprehensive introspective process simple to recall. This approach highlights how important it is to reflect on regular learning experiences and analyse ideas following significant events.
To improve learning and professional growth, the model also encourages users to participate in a methodical reflection process. A similar idea of reflection is considered in the context of software systems, where self-adaptive software systems can create new feedback loops by changing their behaviour and structure in response to internal and external data flows. Additionally, the Drude theory is used to analyse the spectrum reflectances of various coatings, demonstrating the precision with which mathematical models can describe the behaviour of materials.
Terry Boston originally raised the three STEM concerns in 1970, and Driscoll looked into them. These were
- what?
- So what?
- Now what?
To complete the reflection cycle, Driscoll included trigger questions. He also connected these three stem questions to the stages of an experiential learning cycle. These three questions were developed in 1994, 2000, and 2007. The John Driscoll Model is among the most fundamental reflection models.
You may start to analyse and learn from your experiences by asking yourself these three questions. It is important to first describe the situation or interaction. It's important to know the history. This gives the user a better picture of the circumstances. This is achieved by taking the "what" question into account.
What insights did the experience provide you with? The user is asked to evaluate the action taken in response to the reflection in the last step. Should acts be changed? Does anything new need to be presented? Or do things appear advantageous enough right now that changes don't seem necessary?
Stages in the Driscoll Reflection Model
The analysis stages of the Driscoll model of reflection involve 3 main stages, which are as follows:
Stage 1: What?
To complete the first part of the structured reflection, the following questions must be answered:
- Summarise the event, circumstance, or experience that you will be thinking back on in brief.
- What precisely took place?
- Specifically, what did you do?
- Was there another person involved?
- Was the experience positive? or negative? or both? And why?
Stage 2: So what?
To complete the second stage of the structured reflection, the following questions must be answered:
- At that moment, how did you feel?
- What kind of response do you have?
- Why did you act in this manner?
- Did your feelings then match your feelings now, given the circumstances?
- Were you running into problems with your own moral principles?
- Do you think that past experiences have influenced how you are experiencing this situation?
- And who else was there? How did they feel? And their response? And why were they responding this way?
Stage 3: Now what?
Completing the third stage of the structured reflection requires answering the following questions:
- After considering this situation, incident, or event, what knowledge have you gained?
- Could you have prevented negative events?
- How could you possibly have done that?
- Should a circumstance similar to this one emerge once more, how would you respond?
- How could you better prepare for this?
- What went wrong the past time, and where are you going to concentrate now?
After you have answered these three easy questions, you may begin to examine your experiences. To put everything in perspective, allow me to first explain the main situation, event, experience, or incident. Although it's the initial step, it's important since it will help you grasp what lies ahead of you.
Next, you will ask yourself, "So What?" as you consider the primary incident, encounter, or circumstance. What specific lesson will I take away from this experience? Consider the behaviours in response to the third Driscoll Cycle question. These are meant to be the decisions you make after giving your reflection some thought. Consider whether or not you will alter your conduct. Alternatively, "Is it appropriate to keep things as they are or do some changes need to be made?"
The Driscoll Reflective Model: Why Use It in Nursing?
In nursing, it is crucial to assess patients' indicators, identifiers, indications, and symptoms and to take timely, appropriate corrective action. Reflective practices are essential because they enable nurses and midwives to improve their knowledge, abilities, and concepts via experiential learning.
Despite not being the most frequently referenced, the Driscoll Model of Reflection is nonetheless widely applied in nursing and healthcare. The three parts of the approach are easy to memorise and apply, and it is straightforward and highly successful. For novices who want to reflect and gain knowledge from their experiences, the Driscoll Model of Reflective Writing or Reflection in Nursing is perfect.
The Driscoll Model of Reflection in Nursing is elaborated here.
- In the process of gaining experience in nursing or clinical settings
WHAT? The event's description, initial reactions, and any corrective or remedial measures performed
- Reflecting on all or just a few aspects of the experience with intention
So what? Examining the incident, considering the course of action in hindsight, and assessing results and performance
- Gaining Knowledge from Experience and Through Reflection
NOW WHAT? Making suggestions for ways to improve performance and results, identifying what could have been done differently, and incorporating responses, actions, and outcomes to better prepare for similar situations in the future
Applications
This model is very versatile and flexible and can be useful in various contexts and settings. These are the following examples where you can use Driscoll’s model of reflection.
1. Healthcare department:
Physicians and other professionals use this approach to reflect on patient care as well as to engage with individuals who are experiencing difficult situations. It is beneficial for enhancing clinical practice as well.
2. Education sector:
In order to provide students with the most education possible, instructors may also benefit from this model by using it to improve teaching techniques and student engagement.
3. Social service work:
Social workers may enhance their work based on the outcomes for their clients by using these models to analyse their trials and treatments.
Advantages of Driscoll’s model of reflection
1. Plain structure
With this model, you can get a point-to-point guideline for the reflection process. It also helps to think clearly about your experiences.
2. Better understanding
When you cannot think through your actions and decisions, this model helps you to think deeply. It uplifts your confidence and skills. It also gives you a direction to grow professionally.
3. Actionable steps
This model helps you understand what needs to be changed and how to make these changes in your actions. It directly helps to improve your work and doings.
Challenges That Need To Be Considered
As we have learnt, Driscoll's model of reflection is very effective, but it's also important to know the possible challenges and consider them.
1. Time-consuming
This model is very effective, but it is a long process, so it takes too much time to learn, and putting this into practice is very time-consuming, especially if you are engaging in it regularly.
2. Reflective depth
People get engaged in this practice but think that it's too difficult to go wholly into it, like beyond the surface level. Getting into the depths of something or analysing it is tough anyway, so individuals find it tough.
A Driscoll Reflective Model Example
The activities and experiences of a surgical ward nurse are examined in the following example of Driscoll's Model of Reflection. This scenario effectively illustrates the difficulties, responses, deeds, and lessons discovered.
Step 1: WHAT?
In the surgical ward, I helped Doctor Adam perform an appendectomy as part of an appendicitis operation. Due to the severe stage of appendicitis, the procedure was an emergency.
Following more testing, Doctor Adam determined that the severity of the appendix infection precluded laparoscopic operation. The infected appendix was removed with a one-inch incision after informed consent for an open appendectomy was obtained.
But the patient contracted hepatitis B. Infected needles were mentioned by the operating physician, Adam and the other team members as the most likely source of HB infection. If appropriate measures against blood-borne illnesses were not implemented before the procedure, this constituted a serious risk.
I was horrified and reflected on my actions during the operation's preparation. Senior physicians encouraged me to learn about patient safety protocols and how to prevent illnesses linked to healthcare.
Step 2: So what?
Although the open appendectomy went well, a small surgical error resulted in the patient contracting hepatitis B. I acknowledged that I was at fault because, in my preparation for the surgery, I had not followed the correct patient safety procedures. My first response was one of complete disappointment at my negligence in making a straightforward procedure more difficult and endangering the patient's life. My failure disappointed my seniors and supervisors, including Dr Adam.
To lessen the virus's impact, my seniors and operational physician, Doctor Adam, took the appropriate corrective steps right away. I gained a great deal of knowledge from it, including how a small disregard for healthcare safety procedures and guidelines can result in potentially fatal circumstances.
Additionally, I discovered that evidence-based treatment procedures successfully guard against medical errors.
Step 3: Now what?
An important lesson was learnt from this unexpected consequence of a straightforward surgical procedure. I am now more driven to stop such undesirable situations from happening and more equipped to deal with them if they do, following much thought and analysis.
I will now closely adhere to the main nursing codes to enhance my future performance, response, reaction, and results. To avoid difficulties during surgery, I will also research and learn various infection control procedures and use them each time. To guarantee the best possible healthcare management, I will also adhere to all standard operating protocols for any additional surgeries.
Final Thoughts
A useful foundation for anybody looking to enhance their professional practice via organised reflection is provided by Driscoll's Model of Reflection. Through methodically addressing the "What?", "So What?" and "Now What?" of any given situation, people may acquire new perspectives, improve their abilities, and promote ongoing personal and professional growth. Using this paradigm may help professionals in healthcare, education, or any other industry gain a greater knowledge of their work and make significant changes.
Additionally, if you want to learn more in-depth about reflection models, then you can get our academic help by visiting us online. Our experts will assist you in writing a great and refined reflection paper and help you excel in your career.
