Driscoll Model of Reflection: An Intuitive Guide

Introduction

Reflection is giving your past experiences considerable thought and attention. It can be expressed verbally, through writing, or by thoughts. The aim of reflection is to help us learn from our experiences and develop new insights. One popular framework for reflection is the Driscoll Model, developed by Judy Driscoll in 1994, and revised twice in 2004 and 2007. With the help of this intuitive guide, you will explore the stages of the Driscoll Model and learn how to use them in your daily life.

What is the Driscoll Model?

Driscoll Model of Reflection, which is the most popular reflective model for beginners and is utilized by nursing and medical practitioners worldwide, was developed by John Driscoll following an evaluation of Terry Borton’s three major stem questions. That are:

1. What?
2. So what?
3. Now what?
   

These questions indicate that you are doing more than just recounting the events. You’re taking your experience, figuring out what made it noteworthy, and figuring out what to do next.

Stages of Driscoll Reflective Model

This model is based on three key questions: “What?”, “So what?”, and “Now what?” Adding trigger questions that can be utilized to encourage learning and encourage reflection on what has been learned, as well as matching these questions to an experiential learning cycle.

·    Stage 1 – What?

The ‘what’ question is the first stage; in this stage, people give a description or an overview of what occurred in the situation they are reflecting upon. You can select from the list of questions below to respond to each of the three components.

1. Upon reviewing the event, what is the purpose of going back?
2. What transpired?
3. Were you able to see it? What did you do?
4. How was your response?
5. What did the others do?
6. Which important characteristics of this situation do you see?
   

·    Stage 2 – So What?

This is the second stage of the Driscoll Model of Reflection. In this stage, individuals reflect on the significance or relevance of the experiences or events they discussed in the “What?” stage. This stage is all about understanding the context.

1. In what way did you feel at that time?
2. Are there any differences? Why?
3. What are the positive features?
4. How did your experiences compare to your coworker’s experience?
5.  What are the primary reasons for feeling different than your colleagues?
   

·    Stage 3 – What now?

Lastly, the final stage is about using what you have learned to anticipate future practice.

1. What are the implications for your colleagues and clients?
2. Which action plan do you have in mind?
3. What will happen if no action is taken?
4. How would you respond in such a circumstance?
   

 This stage motivates the students to start applying newly acquired knowledge, abilities, or attitudes to various contexts and future scenarios.

Importance of Driscoll’s reflective model in nursing

Regardless of the reflection’s significance for the practice of nursing students, it is harsh to see it as a time waste. Those who want to become their best selves and succeed in their nursing job use the Driscoll reflective model reference because, beyond the dry facts that students attempt to memorize, there’s more to it. It is beneficial to acquire abilities that support professional motivation, self-learning, and delivering the best treatment possible.

How to use Driscoll’s reflective model?

Many students struggle when it comes to writing reflection, some seek assistance from Nursing Assignment Writer UK, while others just sit there feeling confused. However, preparing a reflection using Driscoll’s What Model of Reflection is simple and effective. Here’s how:

• To set the context, begin by describing the major event, circumstance, or experience. You can clearly see what you’re reflecting on after taking this first step.
• Secondly, ask yourself, “So what?” Think back on the incident’s significance and the lessons you learned from it. Think about the ways it has affected your knowledge or work.
• Finally, after you have reflected, consider the steps you will take. Are you going to behave differently? Are there any changes that need to be made, or is everything working just fine?

Why use Driscoll’s reflective model in nursing?

Nurses frequently use the Driscoll Model of Reflection for a number of reasons.

• It encourages critical thinking, and in order to assess situations, make judgments, and deliver high-quality care, nurses must possess critical thinking abilities.
• Furthermore, it improves learning, and one of the most effective ways to learn from experience is through reflection.
• Besides, nurses can develop their knowledge and abilities, acquire insights into their behaviors, and discover opportunities for growth by using the Driscoll Model to systematically reflect on their practice.
• Moreover, nursing reflection can result in better patient care outcomes, as it can improve the quality of care they offer by thinking back on their encounters with patients and identifying what worked well and what needs improvement.
• Lastly, reflection helps nurses become more self-aware and empathetic. This cultivates empathy and self-awareness which are necessary traits for delivering patient-centered and compassionate care. 

Pros and cons of Driscoll’s reflective model

The pros of this model are:

• It is quick to produce findings and functions as a questionnaire.
• It is easy to understand and instantly comes to mind.
• Moreover, working simply is beneficial for newbies.
  

The cons of this model are:

• It can’t have a deep impact.
• Layered reflection is not appropriate for it because of its limitations.
• Additionally, it is not required to be used in every circumstance.
  

To sum up:

In conclusion, Driscoll’s reflective model is a valuable resource for both nursing practitioners and students, as it provides a clear and organized framework for reflection. While the model offers a valuable starting point for reflection, however, it is important to be aware of its flaws, like its limitations in supporting layered reflection. Despite this, the Driscoll Model is still an effective tool for nurses who want to grow professionally, learn from their mistakes, and provide the best care possible for their patients, as it embodies the fundamental principles of the nursing profession and promotes practice improvement over time.