Reflection in action: implications for care work

Abstract

This paper addresses the issue of reflective practice, as suggested by Schön. The aim is to analyze instances of reflective practice in elder care, in order to depict individual and collective work. Reflective practice is prevailing as a way of emphasizing the value of practical knowledge and enhancing its status. Reflexivity is thinking about what and why we do something. Moreover, reflexivity is a way of incorporating knowledge with our own personal selves, making it a very personal matter. Using reflective practice in elder care enables learning, leading to improved quality of care. However, individual reflection must be accompanied by collective reflection; this is crucial to improve quality of care.

Keywords:

• reflective practice
• elder care
• ethnography
• reflection
• participant observations