PART 1 – PLACEMENT 2 – MAR 2023 : Teamwork and Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Dementia Care (March 2023)

Date of Reflection: March 2023
Placement: Adult Dementia Care Unit (Part 1 – Placement 2)
Category: Year 1 → Reflections
Tags: team collaboration, professional values, leadership, year 2

What was the nature of the experience?

During my placement in the adult dementia care unit, I had the opportunity to work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including nurses, occupational therapists, and social workers. This experience was particularly valuable in understanding how collaborative practice enhances patient outcomes.

What did I learn from the experience?

I observed that clear communication, delegation, and mutual respect were essential in coordinating care for patients with dementia. The integration of different professional perspectives led to a more holistic approach to patient care. I also noted that leadership in interdisciplinary teams requires both assertiveness and adaptability.

How did I apply this learning to my practice?

This experience reinforced my ability to collaborate effectively in clinical settings. I actively engaged in team discussions and sought input from other healthcare professionals to enhance my decision-making skills. Moving forward, I plan to further develop my interdisciplinary collaboration skills through additional training.

NMC Reflective Account Form

Reflective account:

What was the nature of the CPD activity and/or practice-related feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?
During my surgical ward placement (January 2023), I had the opportunity to develop my leadership and delegation skills in a fast-paced environment. One of the key challenges was managing multiple patient needs while ensuring efficient task delegation to colleagues. I received feedback from my practice assessor highlighting my strong communication skills but also identifying areas for improvement in structured delegation.

What did you learn from the CPD activity and/or feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?
I learned that effective delegation requires clear communication, confidence, and an understanding of the team’s strengths. Applying Marquis and Huston’s (2017) delegation model, I recognised the importance of matching tasks to colleagues’ competencies and ensuring follow-up to maintain patient safety. Feedback from my supervisor helped me identify strategies to improve my delegation skills, such as prioritising workload strategically and being more assertive when assigning tasks.

How did you change or improve your practice as a result?
Following this experience, I became more intentional in my approach to delegation. I ensured that instructions were clear, concise, and tailored to the competencies of my colleagues. I also made a conscious effort to follow up on delegated tasks to ensure completion and patient safety. This improved the efficiency of patient care and my confidence in managing workloads effectively.

How is this relevant to the Code?

• Practise effectively: By improving my delegation and workload management skills, I enhanced efficiency in patient care delivery.
• Preserve safety: Ensuring that tasks were assigned appropriately and completed safely contributed to patient safety and reduced the risk of errors.
• Promote professionalism and trust: I demonstrated accountability in leadership, fostering trust among my colleagues and contributing to a supportive work environment.

SOURCES USED:

• PART 1 – PLACEMENT 1 – 2022 DEC – Episode of Care – Formative.pdf
  • Detailed the delegation challenges and learning points.
  • Included self-reflection on workload management.
• PART 1 – PLACEMENT 1 – 2022 DEC – Mid-point Interview – Student Reflection.pdf
  • Provided feedback from supervisors about time management.
• PART 1 – PLACEMENT 1 – 2022 DEC – Final Interview – Student Reflection.pdf
  • Included personal development goals in delegation.