What is Driscoll's Model of Reflection

Driscoll Model of Reflection 1994 provides a structured approach towards introspection regarding any situation or event, helping in gaining valuable insights from the same. Developed by John Driscoll in the 1990s and 2000s, this theory is based on the earlier works of Terry Borton, who developed the structure of basic questions used in this model. The insights drawn for introspection and guidance on practitioners’ thinking are based on these key questions.

The core of this model is a simplified three-step process for thinking about experiences. It then adds a series of additional questions called “trigger questions” to each stage to help guide health-care practitioners draw insights from situations, analysing the events- good or bad, consequences, impacts and final conclusions. This model comes under a broad subject known as reflective practice, which uses guided methods to advance practitioner education and professional development. The structured reflection process is widely applied in nursing, healthcare, and education and has been a significant topic in seeking assignment help and essay writing services. Locus Assignments offers tailored assignment help on models like Driscoll’s, making reflection-based tasks easier to understand, analyse, and present with confidence.

Understanding the Driscoll Model of Reflection

Let’s understand this model by introducing Borton’s three basic questions- What?, So What?,and Now What?. The ‘What?’ is used to discuss and describe the situation or the event that has occurred, and any details pertaining to it. Reflecting on what happened is the first step of the process. The next question to think about is- ‘So What?’. This makes us analyse the impact the event would have on us and the people involved. What were the basis of your actions, any reactions following the event, internal and external conflicts- everything, summing up the implications of the event. The last question that arises is- ‘Now What?’. This helps ponder over the action plan of the event that has occurred. What can be done, concrete steps that can be taken to rectify the situation, and how things can be done differently in the future to prevent any mistakes

 

Driscoll further elaborates on these questions with trigger questions-

I. What?

1. What exactly happened?

2. What exactly did you do?

3. Were any other people affected or involved in the event?

4. Would you describe it as a good experience, a bad experience, or both? Why?

5. Is there any other data, information or feelings leading up to the situation.

II. So what?

1. What did you feel at the moment the event occurred?

2. What was your reaction to the event?

3. Why do you think you reacted that way?

4. Do you feel the same way about the action or event now as you did at that time?

5. Did the event, or your reaction to it, create an internal conflict with your morals or personal and professional values?

6. Can you think of any past events and experiences that may have led you to react in such a way?

7. If there were other people within this situation, what did they feel about the event, and how did they react to it? Are you aware of why they felt or reacted that way?

III. Now What?

1. What did you learn by reflecting on the event?

2. Were there any actions you could have undertaken to prevent the negative or undesirable consequences?

3. How could you have prevented the negative or undesirable outcomes?

4. If a similar event takes place in the future, would you react differently? How?

5. What could you have done to prepare yourself more fully for this event?

6. Where exactly did the situation go wrong, and what will you try to do differently next time?

Answering and drawing insights from these questions helps practitioners take a step back and deepen their learning from reflection. With the help of top assignment helpers like Locus Assignments, students can also gain insights into the advantages and disadvantages of this model.

Advantages of the Driscoll Model of Reflection

The model is simple, clear, and easy to apply. The stages can be easily understood and remembered, helping in creating straightforward solutions.

Due to its easy structure, it has applicability in many areas of study such as healthcare, nursing, experiential learning, and other professional and educational settings, enabling improved practice and decision-making.

Limitations  of the Driscoll Model of Reflection

The model does not provide an in-depth analysis of the entire situation. It is a more surface-level analysis. The model can get difficult to use in complicated events.

It does not focus on the feelings and emotions of people involved. Human emotions can be layered and complex to understand; not everything can be dissected into three questions.

Driscoll Model of Reflection Example

Here is a case study to understand the Driscoll Reflection Model better. This reflective example will focus on the nurse's experience and challenges during a morning shift while administering antibiotics to a patient.

What?

I was working on a busy morning shift and about to give antibiotics to a post-operative patient. While taking a glance at the drug chart, I saw that the prescribed dosage looked higher than usual. I was about to go ahead with it when a quick re-reference to the patient's records made me understand it was an error in prescribing. I reported to the senior nurse and the doctor, and the dosage was corrected before it was given.

So What?

This experience reinforced the crucial need for being alert during the administration of medication. As stated in the NMC Code (2018), nurses are required to practice safely and maintain patient safety. Had I not checked twice, the patient might have suffered severe harm. I also learned how pressure on the workload and time can increase the possibility of making errors. This experience reaffirmed my duty to adhere to the "five rights" of medication (right patient, drug, dose, route, and time). It also reminded me that there is a need for effective communication with the broader healthcare team to avoid errors.

Now What?

In the future, I shall continue to double-read prescriptions thoroughly and never hurry drug administration regardless of workload demand. Furthermore, I shall undertake additional training in pharmacology to enhance my knowledge foundation. In addition, I shall promote open discussion within the team about near misses, since these can be effective learning experiences. In this way, I can help provide safer, more responsible practice and promote a patient safety culture.

Conclusion

The Driscoll Model of Reflection 2007 and 1994 provides good insight into the structure and working of reflection models and how they help various professions. But understanding the model isn’t enough. Difficult assignments, essays, dissertations and theses require going the extra mile with deep research and application based learning. It can all get a bit overwhelming! With the help of Locus Assignments, you can gain authentic assignment help UK, with timely submissions, expert guidance, unlimited revisions and most importantly, a guarantee of trust. Get in touch with our experts for further information!

References

https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/health-and-medicine/driscoll-model-reflection

https://doi.org/10.34172/jmdc.2022.1385

About the Author

This article is written by Sarah Mitchell, an education specialist and academic writer based in Birmingham, UK. With expertise in nursing education and reflective practice, Sarah has spent several years guiding students in applying methods to enhance both their academic performance and professional development.