This course teaches you how to write reflective accounts that show genuine learning, for appraisal, revalidation, CPD and, where needed, a regulatory or employer process. It explains the Gibbs and Driscoll models step by step, shows worked examples of weak and strong reflections, and covers what UK regulators say about reflection, confidentiality and the legal status of reflective notes.
What you will learn
- Explain the purpose of reflective practice and what the UK healthcare regulators expect of it.
- Use the Gibbs reflective cycle and the Driscoll model to structure a written reflection.
- Distinguish between descriptive writing and reflective writing, and turn one into the other.
- Write a reflection that links an experience to professional standards and to a specific change in practice.
- Anonymise reflective writing appropriately and understand its legal and regulatory status.
- Adapt a reflection for different purposes, such as NMC revalidation, GMC appraisal, HCPC CPD audit or a remediation portfolio.
Course content
- What reflection is and why it matters (2 min)
- Description versus reflection (2 min)
- The Gibbs reflective cycle (3 min)
- The Driscoll model (2 min)
- Writing to the standard: practical techniques (3 min)
- Reflecting when something has gone wrong (3 min)
- Checklist and common mistakes (2 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- GMC, Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, COPMeD and Medical Schools Council: The reflective practitioner: guidance for doctors and medical students
- NMC: Revalidation requirements, including five written reflective accounts and a reflective discussion
- HCPC: Standards of continuing professional development and the CPD audit process
- GPhC: Revalidation framework, including the reflective account and peer discussion
- Joint statement on the benefits of becoming a reflective practitioner, from the UK healthcare regulators (2019)
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
Related guides
How to Write a Reflective Account for NMC Revalidation (With Examples)
How to write a reflective account for NMC revalidation: what the form asks, how many you need, a weak vs strong example, and how to link each one to the Code.
Medication Error Reflection: A Worked Example for Nurses
A medication error reflection example for nurses: what to do first, how to structure your reflection, a weak vs strong version, and how to show real learning.
How Doctors Should Write a Reflection for Appraisal and Revalidation
How doctors should write a reflection for appraisal and GMC revalidation: what to reflect on, a simple structure, a worked example, and what to leave out.
Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.