Reflection in action

The reflective practitioner – guidance for doctors and medical students suggests ways to approach reflection constructively including, the What? So what? Now what? framework, published by the GMC.

What? So what? Now what? framework. Source: GMC What? focuses on thoughts at the time of an experience. It explores thought processes when a particular action or decision was taken and how those may have impacted on actions and feelings.

For example, “What was I thinking when I took the actions or made the decision that I did”

So what? involves considering the significance of what happened as well as the values and feelings at the time of and prompted by the experience, and why these may influence future learning or actions.

For example, “How did I feel at the time of and after the experience, why was it important?”

Now what? looks at the processes and opportunities that can help learning from the experience and identifying future actions, reflection on those actions, and how to use these to develop further.

For example, “What can I learn from or do differently next time”

There are lots of techniques to explore. Find out more about the ‘WHOA!’ model of reflection developed by Warwick Medical School or writing a reflective diary.

Read more in The reflective practitioner – guidance for doctors and medical students.

Reflective practice for doctors and medical students

Reflective practice for doctors and medical students