Assessment tools for reflection in healthcare learners: A scoping review

Abstract

Reflection has been integrated in many healthcare educations programs to achieve deeper learning and improve professional practice. A variety of evaluation tools are used to assess reflection, but few guides are available to inform educators in their choice of a relevant evaluation tool. The aim of this paper is to identify all existing evaluation tools published along with their strengths and weaknesses. A review strategy retrieved tools available in Medline, PsychInfo, CINALH and Eric databases. The procedures outlined by Munn and colleagues were used to synthetize the information. Additionally, the reflection dimensions assessed in each tool (when sufficient information was available) were analyzed deductively, using thematic analysis according to the Killion and Todnem framework. Subthemes were identified inductively. Forty-five papers were identified, reporting on 34 different tools. The tools were based on a variety of theoretical models. Some had evidence of adequate validity and fidelity. Eleven components of reflection were identified across tools. No tool encompassed all components, but most tools included between three and five components. Context surrounding evaluation should be carefully considered when choosing an evaluation tool for reflection. There is a need for further research to validate the psychometric properties of reflection evaluation tools.

Keywords:

• Reflection
• evaluation
• healthcare learner
• assessment
• higher education

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Cassandra Préfontaine

Cassandra Préfontaine, MSc, Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada.

Isabelle Gaboury

Isabelle Gaboury, PhD, Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Canada.

Hélène Corriveau

Hélène Corriveau, PhD, School of rehabilitation, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada.

Jacinthe Beauchamp

Jacinthe Beauchamp, PhD, Centre de formation médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick, Université de Moncton, Moncton, Canada and Department of family medicine and emergency medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada.

Chantal Lemire

Chantal Lemire, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada.

Marie-Josée April

Marie-Josée April, PhD, Vice-décanat au développement professionnel, à la pédagogie et à la responsabilité sociale.