Introduction
This reflective account explores a specific experience from my recent placement in a community health care setting, where I supported an individual with complex needs as part of a multidisciplinary team. The purpose of this essay is to critically reflect on my role in maintaining professional relationships, adhering to organisational protocols, ensuring effective communication and confidentiality, managing conflicts, and evaluating how this experience has contributed to my professional development. Drawing on Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle (Gibbs, 1988), I will structure my reflection to provide a clear and logical account of the situation, demonstrating an understanding of relevant healthcare principles and practices applicable to my field of study.
Describing the Situation and Professional Relationships
During my placement at a community care centre, I worked collaboratively with a team of healthcare assistants, nurses, and a social worker to support an elderly individual, Mr. Smith (a pseudonym to maintain confidentiality), who had mobility issues and early-stage dementia. My role involved assisting with daily activities, such as personal care and medication reminders, while ensuring his emotional well-being. Working alongside others required clear communication and trust to coordinate tasks effectively. For instance, I liaised with the social worker to update Mr. Smith’s care plan after observing changes in his mood. This experience highlighted the importance of maintaining professional boundaries while showing empathy, ensuring that personal biases did not interfere with care delivery (NMC, 2018). Indeed, fostering mutual respect within the team was essential to providing consistent support.
Adhering to Organisational Ways of Working
My organisation’s agreed ways of working were outlined in the care centre’s policies, which aligned with national guidelines such as those from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). These included following specific protocols for personal care, documenting observations, and reporting concerns. For example, I ensured that all interactions with Mr. Smith were recorded in the daily log, as per the centre’s policy, to maintain transparency and continuity of care. Furthermore, I adhered to health and safety guidelines by using mobility aids correctly and seeking guidance from senior staff when uncertain. This structured approach not only safeguarded Mr. Smith’s well-being but also reinforced my accountability as a future healthcare professional.
Partnership Working, Confidentiality, and Communication
Partnership working was central to this experience, as it involved collaborating with multiple stakeholders, including Mr. Smith’s family and external agencies. I ensured effective communication by providing regular updates to the team during handover meetings and using active listening skills when discussing care preferences with Mr. Smith. Confidentiality was maintained by storing personal information securely and discussing sensitive matters only with authorised personnel, in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) guidelines (ICO, 2020). However, balancing transparency with privacy was sometimes challenging; for instance, when Mr. Smith’s family requested detailed updates, I had to carefully explain the limits of information sharing while maintaining a supportive tone.
Managing Conflicts
A notable conflict arose when a colleague disagreed with my suggestion to adjust Mr. Smith’s activity schedule to accommodate his fatigue. This created tension, as they felt the original plan should remain unchanged. To resolve this, I initiated a calm discussion, acknowledging their perspective while explaining my observations of Mr. Smith’s needs. With the support of our supervisor, we reached a compromise by trialling a modified schedule for a short period. This experience taught me the value of constructive dialogue and flexibility in team settings, drawing on conflict resolution strategies outlined in healthcare literature (Marquis and Huston, 2017).
Evaluating Impact on Professional Practice
Reflecting on this situation, I recognise significant growth in my professional practice. Working with a diverse team enhanced my communication and collaboration skills, which are critical for effective healthcare delivery. Adhering to policies deepened my understanding of accountability, while managing conflict improved my problem-solving abilities. However, I also identified a limitation: my initial hesitance to voice concerns due to inexperience. To address this, I plan to engage in further training on assertiveness and leadership within healthcare settings. Overall, this experience has reinforced my commitment to person-centred care and the importance of reflective practice in continuous improvement, as advocated by Schön (1983).
Conclusion
In summary, this reflective account demonstrates my ability to work collaboratively, adhere to organisational protocols, maintain confidentiality, manage conflicts, and critically evaluate my professional development within a health care setting. The experience with Mr. Smith and the multidisciplinary team underscored the complexities of partnership working and the necessity of clear communication and ethical practice. Moving forward, I aim to build on these lessons by seeking opportunities to refine my skills, ensuring I contribute effectively to high-quality care delivery. This reflection not only highlights my current capabilities but also identifies areas for growth, reinforcing the value of ongoing learning in healthcare.
References
- Gibbs, G. (1988) Learning by Doing: A Guide to Teaching and Learning Methods. Further Education Unit, Oxford Polytechnic.
- Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). (2020) Guide to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). ICO.
- Marquis, B.L. and Huston, C.J. (2017) Leadership Roles and Management Functions in Nursing: Theory and Application. 9th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
- Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). (2018) The Code: Professional Standards of Practice and Behaviour for Nurses, Midwives and Nursing Associates. NMC.
- Schön, D.A. (1983) The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action. Basic Books.
