Using Gibb's Reflective Cycle to Improve Patient Care and Safety

This essay employs Gibb's reflective cycle to analyze an experience with a 74-year-old COPD patient named Terry, focusing on infection control concerns and the application of person-centered care. The reflection covers the description of the situation, the nurse's feelings, an evaluation of the approach, an analysis of lessons learned, and an action plan for future improvements. Key takeaways include the importance of empathy, patient involvement in decision-making, and managing personal frustrations. The reflection highlights the value of viewing patients as individuals and promoting their active participation in care planning, ultimately aiming to enhance both professional and personal development in nursing practice. Desklib provides access to similar assignments and study tools for students.

Assessment task 2c

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Gibb’s reflective cycle.....................................................................................................................3
Description...................................................................................................................................3
Feelings........................................................................................................................................3
Evaluation....................................................................................................................................3
Analysis........................................................................................................................................4
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................4
Action plan...................................................................................................................................4
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................4
References........................................................................................................................................4

Introduction
Reflection is a process which will allow me to evaluate my experiences so that I can improve my
practice in future (Jayatilleke & Mackie, 2013). This assessment will help me in drawing on my
learned knowledge, reflect on behaviour of the patient and draw implications in context of
quality of care delivery and patient safety. A case study of Terry Hayes will be used through
Gibb’s reflective cycle. The model is used for reflection, as it is a suitable framework for
facilitating the reflection for my personal perspectives on the care delivery, and empirical
knowledge.
Gibb’s reflective cycle
Description
I attended to patient named Terrry who was a 74 year old patient of advanced COPD who was
admitted to the hospital because of chest infection which exacerbated his end-stage COPD. Terry
was extremely cautious of hospital acquired infection. He was always worried that if I or any
other staff did not follow the infection control guidelines properly, he may get infected. He also
pointed out to me when I examine him using the same stethoscope which I used for other
patients. Moreover, since he had chronic illness and experience multiple hospitalizations, he had
good knowledge of healthcare and wanted to be involved in decision-making regarding his care
delivery. He wanted to be heard and included. I also found that he exhibited cooperation when I
listened to him and showed empathy towards him. I followed the patient-centered approach with
him which not only led to improved health outcomes for him I could also gain his satisfaction. I
ensured that all his concerns regarding infection control were heard and answered.

Feelings
While providing services to Terry, I felt enlightened and delighted to know that people want to
be informed about their health, care plan and service delivery. However, his fear of hospital
acquired infection was frustrating as majority of the time they were irrational and baseless since I
always took care of hygiene. But I believe I was able to satisfy him regarding his concerns of
infection.
Evaluation
I implemented the person-centered care delivery for Terry which focused on his preferences,
personality traits, beliefs, values and culture (Rogers & Rogers, 2012).. It helped immensely as
by using this approach I could build an interpersonal relationship with Terry based on trust. In
addition, he could be involved at every step of decision-making (Capuzzi & Stauffer, 2016).
Terry had insights regarding what is best for him which conflicted with my way but we were
able to identify the best possible solutions. Issue of time constraints occurred during his care
delivery because of his heightened concern over hospital acquired infection and it took time to
make him understand that all the necessary hygienic precautions were taken. Terry also remained
cooperative on most of the occasions which further eased the service provision.
Analysis
From Terry’s case, I learnt that being healthcare workers, I assume that I know what is best for
the patient but that not might be the case all the time. Patients, particularly who have about
healthcare and their own condition may also help in the process of care delivery. I also learnt the
importance of empathy towards patients as it may yield their cooperation like in Terry’s case
(Terezam, Reis-Queiroz, & Hoga, 2017). In addition, it is vital that as a health worker I should

keep my frustration due to patient’s choices like additional hygiene care, time restriction, etc.
under control as it is a routine part of the nursing care.
Conclusion
With Terry’s case, I not only improved my knowledge regarding medical management of
advanced COPD but also developed skills to view patients individually not as a patients as a
group. In future, I will make the best efforts to promote patient participation during care planning
and care delivery. I will also try to keep my frustration aside while attending to patients’
irrational demands by implementing the approach of empathy which I have learnt that can only
be gained by developing a personalized relationship with each patient.
Action plan
To implement empathy in my professional life efficiently, I will try to be more empathetic in my
personal life as well to be a more empathetic person overall. To base my nursing practice on
person-centered approach, I will indulge in role playing in order to practice this strategy. I will
read books on time management in nursing care to be able to refrain from workload and at the
same time gain patient satisfaction.
Conclusion
Reflecting on Terry’s case by using Gibb’s reflective model assisted me in understanding various
aspects and requirements of patient care and safety. I could familiarise myself with the
importance of fulfilling the medical and nursing obligations. It helped me in transforming the
thoughts into insight which encourage professional as well as personal development.
References

Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. D. (2016). Counseling and Psychotherapy: Theories and
Interventions. John Wiley & Sons.
Jayatilleke, N., & Mackie, A. (2013). Reflection as part of continuous professional development
for public health professionals: a literature review. Journal of Public Health, 35(2), 308-
312.
Rogers, C., & Rogers, N. (2012). CARL ROGERS ON PERSON-CENTERED THERAPY.
Psychotherapy.net.
Terezam, R., Reis-Queiroz, J., & Hoga, L. A. (2017). The importance of empathy in health and
nursing care. Rev. Bras. Enferm, 70(3).