Reflection is an important tool in learning and has become an acceptable framework for professional preparation and practice (Boud & Walker, 1998).This has made it an important element of contemporary medical education. Boyd and Fales (1983) define reflection as “the process of internally examining and exploring an issue of concern, triggered by an experience, which creates and clarifies meaning in terms of self, and which results in a changed conceptual perspective”. Reflection serves as an opportunity for professionals to analyse themselves as regards to what is happening or what has happened in a view to make sense of their experience and then apply it in order to improve practice. Critical reflection allows practitioners brood about their practice and beliefs, requiring them to step-back and scrutinize their reasoning by asking probing questions (Mezirow, 1990). The module applied clinical assessment and investigation in cardiology and stroke is one of the core courses for MSc Cardiology and Stroke; and as part of its assessment, I and my colleagues participated in the clinical examination. This essay will retrospectively examine my experience, analyse and evaluate my performance, as well as my action plans when faced with similar situation …show more content…
She looked over weight and had walking crutches resting on the wall by her side. Good lighting and silence in the clinical examination room has been shown to contribute a great deal to what is seen and heard when conducting an interview (Bickley & Szilagyi, 2009). The room was quiet, well-lit and the seating position was confrontational. Non-confrontational seating arrangement is known to be ideal because it is less formal and helps communication (Douglas, Robertson, Macleod, & Nicol, 2005). I went on to introduce myself and gave her a hand