Abstract:

This paper introduces Reflecta, a mobile learning tool to support the process of reflection for professional development and wellbeing. Reflection is a well-recognised tool for experiential learning (Kolb, 2014). The value of the reflective process is such that it is embedded into professional requirements across certain professions. In the UK, nursing and healthcare professionals must evidence engagement with reflection both during their training and professional practice to maintain their registration. These same professions are faced with a wellbeing crisis. Sickness absence has been described as an ‘unsustainable pressure on the health and care system in England’ (RCN, 2021) with mental health consistently the most reported cause (NHS Digital, 2022).

In light of these issues, there is a missed opportunity to see reflection activity as a form of self-care as opposed to focusing exclusively on professional learning and development (Agnew, 2022). This is particularly important given the natural tendency to focus on the negative (Baumeister et al., 2001), which may be encouraged by existing models of reflection. In providing a tool that promotes a positive approach to the reflective process, Reflecta encourages users to focus on more positive aspects of their practice and in doing so, engage with self-care.

The affordances of mobile learning lend themselves well to supporting learning in the professional context, providing a readily portable means of engagement, storing and accessing information and connecting with wider networks (Parsons, Thomas and Wishart, 2016). Key features of the Reflecta technology include reminders, a guided approach to positive reflection and enabling the storage and sharing of data to support professional requirements. A tool for reflection that is readily and easily accessible also provides opportunities for mindful moments of engagement with reflection as part of healthcare professionals’ day-to-day activities. This has been linked to positive outcomes both for the wellbeing of practitioners and patient care (Gilmartin et al., 2018).

This paper reports on the development of the Reflecta tool and points to the opportunities that mobile technology can provide in supporting learning and wellbeing.

References:
[1] Agnew, T. (2022) ‘Reflective practice 2: improving nurses’ mental health and wellbeing’, Nursing Times, 118(6).
[2] Baumeister, R.F. et al. (2001) ‘Bad Is Stronger Than Good’, Review of General Psychology, 5(4), pp. 323–370.
[3] Gilmartin, H. et al. (2018) ‘A pilot randomised control trial to improve hand hygiene through mindful moments’, BMJ Quality and Safety, 27(10), pp.799-906.
[4] Health and Safety Executive (2022) Health and safety statistics 2022. Available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/overall/hssh2122.pdf
[5] NHS Digital (2022) NHS Sickness Absence Rates, October 2021, Provisional. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/nhs-sickness-absence-rates/october-2021-provisional-statistics
[6] Parsons, D., Thomas, H. and Wishart, J. (2016) ‘Exploring mobile affordances in the digital classroom’, in Arnedillo-Sanchez, I and Isias, P. (eds.) 12th Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Mobile Learning. IADIS Press.
[7] Royal College of Nursing (RCN) (2021) ‘10 Unsustainable pressures on the health and care system in England’. London: Royal College of Nursing.

Keywords:

Mobile learning, reflection, professional development, wellbeing.