Clinical Placement Reflection Report - Ophthalmology Department

This report presents a reflection on a clinical placement in the ophthalmology department, focusing on a specific incident involving potential infection control lapses. The student, using Driscoll's model, describes an experience where they failed to follow proper hand hygiene protocols after caring for a patient with a bacterial conjunctivitis. The report details the student's initial actions, the realization of their mistake, and the subsequent emotional and cognitive responses, including feelings of confusion and fear. The student reflects on the importance of infection control measures, the potential consequences of cross-contamination, and the need for improved communication skills with patients. The report outlines the measures that should be taken to reduce the risks of infection, including hand washing, avoiding direct skin contact, and proper disposal of contaminated materials. The student plans to deepen their knowledge of infection control guidelines and anticipates that this placement will enhance their confidence and interpersonal skills.

Running head: clinical placement reflection
CLINICAL PLACEMENT REFLECTION
Name of the Student
Name of the university
Author’s note

1Clinical placement reflection
CLINICAL PLACEMENT REFLECTION IN AN OPHTHALMOLOGY
DEPARTMENT
In this paper I have discussed about my experience in the first week of placement in an
ophthalmology department. In this paper I have used the Driscoll’s model of reflection.
What ?
During the first week of my placement, in the ophthalmology department. I was assigned
to look after a patient, who had just been admitted for a cataract surgery, and had accidentally
contracted a bacterial conjunctivitis. I was reminded of the infection control measures, as the
disease is contagious and can spread to the other diseases. I was mindful while I was cleaning
his eyes, as I had donned a glove while cleaning his eyes and made it sure that I dispose them off
before attending another patient. But, while I handed him over his spectacles, I did it with bare
hands. I did not even wash, my hands with soap or warm water, neither did I use any sorts of
hand sanitizer, as I was sure that I had used gloves while caring for the patient. I realised my
mistake after I had started to attend another patient and was told the same by my peer nurse
So what?
I was perplexed and fearful as I was confused as what would happen, if the second
patients contracts conjunctivitis. It was my first week and I had very less confident and I did not
have any clue how to manage the situation. However, no such case of conjunctivitis occurred
within few days, and I felt a bit relived that nobody was harmed because of my mistake. What is
good about this experience is that, I had become more aware of infection control in the
department as I do not want to repeat the mistake over again. I make sure that I carry and use
protective equipment while carrying out any invasive procedure or caring for patients with

2Clinical placement reflection
infectious diseases and I feel that this incident has been a teaching experience for me. Some of
the other good experiences which I have gathered during my clinical experience includes
learning to take the vital signs, like blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and respiratory rate.
This incident had also made me aware of the fact that I should also improve my communication
skills for establishing a curative relationship with my patients.
Now what?
Eye infection might be bacterial, viral or chlamydial, but the spread of infections in the
ophthalmology department contributes to delayed care, delayed operations, increased hospital
stay and cost burden. Chances of cross infection remains through contaminated instruments,
droplets or communal towels. Hence, it is necessary to follow few risk reduction principles.
They are washing of hands with soaps and warm water before and after touching patient with
contagious diseases. Direct skin contact should be avoided. Heavy duty gloves are necessary
during any clinical procedures. Any spillage of body fluids needs to be cleared up instantly and
proper disposal of the soiled equipment. Each and the every organisation should have appropriate
guidelines for infection control. I intend to engage in learning and remain updated with the
infection control guidelines. I would also like to increase my knowledge regarding the other
types of infections that can occur and the way they can be prevented. I can anticipate that this
placement would help me in building up confidence and interpersonal skills.