Practical Assessment #1 Reflection

Goals

My primary objective was to enhance communication, particularly in delivering clear and concise explanations of processes to patients. Upon reviewing my video, I realised that I often repeated myself and poorly articulated instructions. While nervousness played a role, I discovered that employing a mental framework to cover all essential points helped me organise my thoughts and reduce confusion for patients.

Additionally, I aimed to be more mindful when using the footplate to adjust the height of the plinth, ensuring both patient safety and comfort, as well as my own ease of use. I found that the most effective approach for me was to locate and position the footplate in a convenient spot as part of my routine actions before starting each session.

Improvements Made Based on Feedback

The feedback I received for my practice assessment highlighted the need to minimise jargon and place greater emphasis on informed consent. I took these suggestions seriously while preparing for the assessment.

Practice and Implementation

To enhance my skills, I practiced with friends, focusing on ensuring that consent was truly informed. I made a point to communicate clearly, asking questions such as, “Is that alright with you?” and “Are you comfortable proceeding with this?” Additionally, I checked in on their well-being throughout the practice session, consciously avoiding the use of jargon. This approach helped to reinforce the importance of patient autonomy and understanding.

Personal Reflection on Performance

A therapeutic alliance with the patient was successfully established, though improved eye contact would enhance this connection. To address this, I plan to practice more, review case notes thoroughly, and conduct research to better understand relevant topics for discussion. Despite areas for improvement, I maintained a relaxed atmosphere through casual conversation. However, nerves led me to overlook some details, such as consistently failing to adjust the plinth height during sessions, particularly when transitioning the patient from side-lying to sitting on the edge of the bed. I aim to develop the habit of adjusting the plinth for ease of movement. At the session's start, I prioritized hand hygiene, assessed the environment, and ensured secure positioning of equipment, clearing space for both the patient and myself. My explanations could be better organized, as I tend to rush under time constraints. To improve, I plan to practice mindfulness techniques and remain calm in similar scenarios. Nonetheless, I clearly outlined the session's objectives at the beginning, providing a brief yet comprehensive explanation without overly technical jargon.