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.