On the “Flip Side”: An Autoethnography Utilizing Professional Reflective Practice Skills to Navigate a Medical Experience as the Patient

Abstract

IntroductionThis autoethnography explores perception of personal role flexibility within health care after a brain tumour diagnosis. The experience provided the possibility of challenging and redefining my role in health care. I draw upon past research, professional capability guidelines, and my experiences as an academic, practitioner, and patient to stimulate debate about patient and practitioner roles and relationships. I also emphasize the importance of reflective practice, effective communication, and patient-centered care in the health care setting, with a goal of improving the experience of patients, practitioners, and academics. MethodThis research uses the personal experience of an academic/practitioner turned patient to explore reflective practice, professional practice, and patient-centered care through autoethnography. ResultsMy personal account identifies the changing roles of self within health care. My account also demonstrates that reflective practice has positively contributed to my personal patient experience. Continuity of care, open communication, and patient-centered care also contributed to creating a positive personal patient experience. DiscussionMerging roles of a practitioner, academic, and patient in an experience of health care provides opportunity for practitioners and academics to gain an authentic, personal account of the patient's perspective, with the goal of enhancing patient and practitioner partnerships/relationships. ConclusionMy role in health care changed after having a personal experience as a patient. This change was professionally confronting and challenged my perception of defined practitioner and patient roles. My personal view of the patient experience and importance of reflective practice may provide connection for practitioners and academics to the patient experience, perhaps informing and shaping future professional practice.