Background and context: Reflective practice and the development of critical thinking skills are considered important tools for clinicians by theorists and researchers. This paper draws upon personal experience of using reflective models developed by Schon, Dewey and in particular Mezirow, to guide the fruition of ideas, planning and implementation of an initiative to keep clinicians engaged in a programme underpinned by the principles of practice development over the festive season.

Aims and objectives: To critically reflect upon the outcomes of using creativity as an active learning approach to assist clinical teams in making the links between the Essentials of Care programme and practice development principles.

Implications for practice: The process of engaging in reflective practice leads to personal growth, empowerment and self awareness which ultimately enhances individual professional growth. Reflective practice is often seen by clinicians as a process to be used after an event; in this experience, the use of reflective models aided in the development of a successful initiative. The challenge therefore is to develop ways of encouraging clinicians to not only use reflective practices after an event, but to use reflection in the creation and development of ideas which can lead to positive change in clinical practice and workplace culture.

Conclusions: As coordinator of a programme underpinned by practice development principles, the most significant personal learning was a greater understanding of the importance of critical reflection in bringing about transformational learning. Encouraging clinical teams to participate in active learning led to positive experiences, enhanced knowledge and increased participation from teams involved with the Essentials of Care programme.

This article by Nicola Drayton is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial 3.0 License.