I was very fortunate to be able to record this conversation with Dr Patricia Miller of McMaster University, in which we explored Pat’s extensive experience in researching, teaching and assessing reflection with physiotherapists. Her key messages in this conversation are that:Reflection is a key skill and activity for professional physiotherapists to improve practice.Studies have shown an individual’s quality and depth of reflection distinguishes novice from expert practitioners.Reflection is about seeking and exploring alternative perspectives and is supported by involving others (peers, mentors, tutors, family etc) and also by using a framework that challenges your thinking.She clarifies the difference between reflection in-action (during practice) and reflection on-action (after the event).The Canadian Physiotherapy Association Clinical Specialty Program includes the evaluation of the candidate’s ability to use clinical reflection in their practice because clinical reflection is integral to the practice of a clinical specialist and leader in their field.If you struggle with reflection or are embarking on a written reflection as part of your studies, for annual registration requirements or as part of the CPA Clinical Speciality Program I think you will both enjoy and benefit from listening to this enlightening conversation

To find out more about Pat and connect with her see:Pat Miller’s ResearchGate profile https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Patricia_Miller6 Patricia Miller’s LinkedIn profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-miller-291b0a39

Pat also refers to and recommended the following additional sources of information regarding reflection:Paterson C, Chapman J. Enhancing skills of critical reflection to evidence learning in professional practice. Physical Therapy in Sport. 2013 Aug 31;14(3):133-8. (In particular the appendices)Wainwright FS, Shepard KF, Harman LB, Stephens J. Novice and experienced physical therapist clinicians: a comparison of how reflection is used to inform the clinical decision making process. Physical Therapy 2010;84(7):830-7.Wald HS, Borkan JM, Taylor JS, Anthony D, Reis SP. Fostering and evaluating reflective capacity in medical education: developing the REFLECT rubric for assessing reflective writing. Acad Med 2012;87(1):1-10.Donaghy M, Morss K. An evaluation of a framework for facilitating and assessing physiotherapy students’ reflection on practice. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 2007; 23(2):83-94.Mann K, Gordon J, MacLeod A. Reflection and reflective practice in health professions education: a systematic review. Adv Health Sci Educ Theory Pract 2009;14(4):595-621.Sandars J. The use of reflection in medical education: AMEE Guide No. 44. Med Teacher 2009;31:685-95.Williams RM, Wessel J, Gemus M, Foster-Seargeant E. Journal writing to promote reflection by physical therapy students during clinical placements. Physiotherapy Theory And Practice 2002; 18 (1): 5-15..