The Atkins and Murphy Reflective Model is a widely acknowledged framework for reflective practice introduced by Sue Atkins and Kathy Murphy in 1993. It provides a structured approach to reflect on experiences, learn from them, and improve future practices. Reflection, in this context, is a systematic process of analyzing past actions, decisions, and outcomes to gain deeper insights and develop better strategies for similar situations.
This model has gained prominence in fields like healthcare, education, and professional development due to its cyclical and comprehensive structure. The Atkins and Murphy model of reflection 1993 focuses on identifying critical incidents or experiences, analyzing them, and extracting lessons to apply in future scenarios. This method ensures that reflection is not just a passive activity but an active learning tool.
The Stages of the Atkins and Murphy Model of Reflection
The Atkins and Murphy model of reflection is based on a five-stage process designed to foster a deeper understanding of experiences. Each stage plays a crucial role in ensuring that reflective practice leads to actionable insights.
1. Awareness of Discomfort
The reflective process begins with the recognition of discomfort or unease. This discomfort could arise from a challenging situation, a mistake, or an emotional response to a particular event. For instance, a nurse may feel uneasy after an interaction with a patient or a decision made under pressure.
2. Description
In this stage, the individual provides a detailed, objective account of the experience. This step focuses on documenting what happened, who was involved, the sequence of events, and the context. The goal is to create a clear picture without introducing bias or assumptions.
3. Analysis
The analysis phase is where critical thinking comes into play. Here, the individual examines the situation to identify underlying factors, challenges, and emotions that influenced the event. This phase is crucial for uncovering the root causes of the discomfort or unease.
4. Evaluation
In the evaluation stage, the individual assesses what went well, what could have been improved, and how their actions or decisions impacted the outcome. This step is a critical assessment that provides insights into personal strengths and areas for development.
5. Learning and Action Planning
The final stage is where reflection turns into a learning opportunity. Based on the insights gained, the individual develops an action plan to address similar situations more effectively in the future. This phase underscores the proactive nature of the Atkins and Murphy reflective practice.
Why is the Atkins and Murphy Model Relevant in Nursing?
The Atkins and Murphy model of reflection nursing has become an integral part of healthcare education and practice. Nursing is a field that demands not only technical expertise but also emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and adaptability. The model helps nurses reflect on their experiences, understand their emotional responses, and improve their professional competencies.
Enhancing Clinical Skills
Reflective practice enables nurses to critically evaluate their clinical decisions and identify areas for improvement. For example, if a nurse administers a medication and later questions their decision-making process, the Atkins and Murphy model provides a structured way to analyze the event, learn from it, and prevent similar errors in the future.
Emotional Resilience
Healthcare professionals often face emotionally charged situations. The reflective process helps nurses process their feelings, recognize emotional triggers, and develop coping mechanisms. This emotional resilience is essential for maintaining mental well-being and providing compassionate care.
Interpersonal Relationships
Nursing involves constant interaction with patients, families, and colleagues. By reflecting on communication challenges or conflicts, nurses can identify barriers to effective communication and develop strategies to enhance their interpersonal skills.
The Evolution of the Atkins and Murphy Model of Reflection 1994
The original Atkins and Murphy model of reflection 1993 underwent further refinement in 1994. This updated version placed greater emphasis on the role of emotions in reflective practice, acknowledging that feelings often shape perceptions and decisions.
The Atkins and Murphy’s model of reflection 1994 also highlighted the importance of self-awareness and the commitment to continuous learning. These additions made the model even more relevant for professional and personal growth. For instance, in nursing, recognizing and addressing emotional responses can significantly improve patient care and workplace interactions.
Applying the Atkins and Murphy Model: Examples in Practice
To understand how the model works in real-life scenarios, consider the following Atkins and Murphy model of reflection examples:
Scenario 1: Communication Challenges
A nurse struggles to explain a medical procedure to a patient who becomes anxious and uncooperative. Using the model, the nurse reflects on the interaction, analyzing their communication style and identifying areas for improvement, such as using simpler language or visual aids. In the future, they implement these strategies, leading to more effective patient interactions.
Scenario 2: Ethical Dilemmas
A healthcare professional feels conflicted about a decision to prioritize one patient over another in a resource-limited situation. Reflecting on this experience helps them understand the ethical principles involved and develop a clearer framework for decision-making in similar scenarios.
Scenario 3: Team Collaboration
During a multidisciplinary meeting, a nurse feels that their suggestions were dismissed by colleagues. By reflecting on the incident, they identify ways to present their ideas more effectively and foster a collaborative environment.
These examples demonstrate the versatility of the Atkins and Murphy reflective practice across different professional contexts.
Advantages of the Atkins and Murphy Reflective Model
The Atkins and Murphy model of reflection offers several benefits, making it a preferred choice for reflective practice in nursing and beyond.
1. Structured Framework
The model’s step-by-step process ensures that reflection is systematic and thorough, leaving little room for oversight or bias.
2. Enhanced Self-Awareness
Reflection promotes a deeper understanding of one’s thoughts, emotions, and actions, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth.
3. Improved Professional Competence
By identifying strengths and weaknesses, individuals can develop targeted strategies for skill enhancement and professional development.
4. Emotional Processing
The emphasis on recognizing and addressing emotions helps individuals build resilience and cope with challenging situations more effectively.
5. Continuous Learning
The model fosters a commitment to lifelong learning, encouraging individuals to view every experience as an opportunity for growth.
Challenges in Using the Atkins and Murphy Model
While the model offers numerous benefits, it is not without challenges. Some individuals may find it difficult to be completely honest in their reflections, especially when acknowledging mistakes or weaknesses. Additionally, the process can be time-consuming, which may deter busy professionals from using it consistently.
However, these challenges can be mitigated through practice and support from mentors or colleagues. Creating a safe and non-judgmental environment for reflection also encourages more honest and productive engagement with the model.
References to Support Reflection
Reflective practice, as emphasized by the Atkins and Murphy model of reflection nursing, is supported by various scholarly works. The following references provide additional insights into the model and its applications:
- Atkins, S., & Murphy, K. (1993). Reflective practice in nursing: A structured approach. Nurse Education Today, 13(3), 123-128.
- Atkins, S., & Murphy, K. (1994). Developing reflective practice: An innovative approach. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 19(6), 1185-1192.
- Moon, J. A. (2004). A Handbook of Reflective and Experiential Learning: Theory and Practice. Routledge.
- Rolfe, G., Freshwater, D., & Jasper, M. (2001). Critical Reflection for Nursing and the Helping Professions. Palgrave Macmillan.
- Schön, D. A. (1983). The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action. Basic Books.
Conclusion
The Atkins and Murphy Reflective Model is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. By providing a structured framework for analyzing experiences, the model enables individuals to learn from their actions, improve their decision-making, and develop emotional resilience. In fields like nursing, where challenges and ethical dilemmas are common, the model fosters continuous learning and enhances the quality of care.
Whether applied in healthcare, education, or other professions, the Atkins and Murphy reflective practice remains an invaluable resource for developing self-awareness, improving competencies, and achieving excellence.