Reflective midwifery practice: Facilitating midwives’practice insights using a distance education reflective practitioner model

Abstract

A study was undertaken to evaluate a reflective practitioner model with midwives, who self-selected into the project when they were studying the Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) unit NR278, Advanced Nursing Practice, Midwifery. The theoretical assumptions that influenced the research were those forwarded by Schon (1983) and Boud, Keogh and Walker (1985), who argued that practitioners are often unaware of the sophisticated knowledge they have regarding the intricacies of their practice, but that this personal knowledge can be make explicit through reflective processes. The aim of the study was to research the use of a distance education reflective practitioner process that encouraged midwives to examine their practice with a view to making changes where necessary. All the research objectives were met to some extent, although each experience of the research process was particular to the individual participant. Analysis consisted of: interpretation of the participant's insights into their individual experiences; the researcher's interpretations of participant's experiences; and collective themes arising out of the research. This paper concentrates mainly on the participant's insights into their individual experiences of practising midwifery, using a reflective practitioner model.

Honouring the Sacred in Childbirth: a Midwife's Stories of Women's Developing Sense of Self

“…Reflection in practice is a process that has been used by midwives for years (Davis, 1987, Kirkham, 2000, Oakley & Houd, 1990, Page, 2000, Pairman, 1998, Skinner, 2002, Smythe, 1998. After a study by midwives on reflective practice, Taylor (1995) made the observation that "Reflection is perceived by some professionals as one way to bridge the theory-practice gap, based on the potential of reflection to uncover knowledge in action" (p.27). Donald Schon (1983), who conceived the concept of reflexivity in practice, says: Many practitioners, locked into a view of themselves as technical experts, find nothing in the world of practice to occasion reflection.…”

Honouring the Sacred in Childbirth: a Midwife's Stories of Women's Developing Sense of Self

“…Reflection in practice is a process that has been used by midwives for years (Davis, 1987, Kirkham, 2000, Oakley & Houd, 1990, Page, 2000, Pairman, 1998, Skinner, 2002, Smythe, 1998. After a study by midwives on reflective practice, Taylor (1995) made the observation that "Reflection is perceived by some professionals as one way to bridge the theory-practice gap, based on the potential of reflection to uncover knowledge in action" (p.27). Donald Schon (1983), who conceived the concept of reflexivity in practice, says: Many practitioners, locked into a view of themselves as technical experts, find nothing in the world of practice to occasion reflection.…”