Reflective Practice
Reflective practice includes personal self-awareness and dealing with uncertainty, whether concerning diagnosis, optimal management or prognosis.
This requires the veterinary professional to develop self-awareness and the ability to:
- Recognise areas of personal challenge and endeavour to work on improvement
- Understand the extent to which personal views and values can clash with professional responsibility and the potential impact this might have on communication with clients
- Recognise his or her own limitations
- Understand when there is a need to refer, or offer referral, to senior or specialist colleagues
- Appreciate the need to respond constructively to feedback and/or complaints from both clients and colleagues
- Understand professional boundaries
- Consider personal care and safety including that of supporting staff
- Appreciate how to cope with uncertainty by understanding the stress that this and other pressures of the profession may bring, and reflecting on personal coping strategies
- Be mindful of the pressures that colleagues may experience, and ensure that access to support is offered when necessary