Gibbs reflection cycle method consists of five steps that include a description of the event, feeling associated with it, evaluation of it, conclusion and further action. Therefore, I would like to reflect on the week one’s lab by implementing Gibbs reflection cycle method. During the labs students learned about the repositioning of patients, making their bed, and ways of introducing yourself to patients. I felt alert and focused during the lab as I understood its importance. One of the common problems amongst patients with limited mobility is the development of pressure ulcers. They occur when some areas of the skin do not receive an adequate amount of blood flow due to constant pressure, and as a result, the tissue is damaged. Pressure ulcers often occur in skilled nursing/rehab facilities due to a lack of knowledge, training, and continuing education.
Procedures such as making a patient bed and repositioning are essential parts of the everyday process. Knowing how to properly reposition an adult in bed is helpful when changing a bandage, putting on new bedding, and helping with installing and removing a bedpan, in addition to minimizing the development of pressure sores (Mervis & Phillips, 2019). For people with trouble breathing, shifting positions in bed can be very helpful, especially if the difficulty is brought on by a lung condition or excessive mucus production (e.g., cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]).
Finally, the communication strategies of introducing yourself to a patient were studied and practiced. Communication with the patient is essential as it ensures mutual understanding and trust, which has a positive impact on patient outcomes. Hence, the activities during week one’s lab were exciting, as practicing on dummy patients created a sense of real-world scenarios and enhanced responsibility. In addition, working in groups was a way of emulating teamwork in the healthcare organization. The social dynamics between team members kept things more fun and engaging. Overall, this week was insightful, useful, and interesting, which is why I am excited about the rest of the class.
Reference
Mervis, J. S., & Phillips, T. J. (2019). Pressure ulcers: Pathophysiology, epidemiology, risk factors, and presentation. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 81(4), 881-890.