(0)

Module on Reflection

A UK CPD Module on Reflective Practice, Insight and Learning

  • About 2 hours estimated learning time
  • 8 sections, 18 lessons
  • Checkpoints and a 15-question final assessment
  • Online, self-paced, any device

About this course

This CPD module helps healthcare professionals in the UK understand and strengthen reflective practice. It explains what reflection is and why it matters, the UK regulatory context, structured models of reflection, how reflection generates genuine insight, how to write reflective notes safely and professionally, and how reflection supports learning, revalidation and fitness to practise.

Many professionals reflect constantly in their heads but find written reflection difficult, or worry that what they write could be used against them. This module addresses both problems. It compares the requirements of each regulator, explains clearly what is and is not legally protected, shows one event reflected on through three different models, and gives practical guidance on writing reflections that are honest, useful and safe. It is designed for all regulated professionals, including those responding to a concern, where demonstrating genuine reflection is central.

CPD Value and How to Record It

This course is designed to provide approximately 2 hours of learning, including reading, the reflection points, the reflective account and the assessment. In the UK, CPD is generally recorded as the time actually spent learning, so you should record the time you genuinely spend, which may be more or less than the estimate.

How the course fits your revalidation or CPD requirements depends on your regulator. For example, the NMC asks nurses, midwives and nursing associates to record 35 hours of CPD over three years, of which at least 20 must be participatory; self-directed online learning such as this course usually counts as individual learning unless you complete it with others. The GMC expects doctors to reflect on CPD for appraisal and revalidation rather than setting a fixed number of hours. The HCPC, GDC, GPhC, GOC, GOsC and GCC each set their own CPD requirements, so check the current rules that apply to you. Always keep your certificate together with your written reflection.

What you will learn

  • Understand what reflective practice is and why it is central to safe, professional healthcare.
  • Describe the UK regulatory expectations for reflection, including revalidation and appraisal.
  • Apply structured models of reflection such as Gibbs' Reflective Cycle.
  • Turn reflection into genuine insight that changes practice.
  • Write reflective notes professionally, safely and with appropriate anonymisation.
  • Use reflection to support learning, wellbeing and fitness to practise.

Who it is for

Doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists, pharmacists, allied health professionals, optometrists, osteopaths, chiropractors and other UK registrants, including those responding to a concern, complaint or fitness to practise matter

Standards and law covered

The Reflective Practitioner (2018); regulators' joint statement on reflective practice (2019); GMC appraisal and revalidation; NMC revalidation; GPhC revalidation; GDC, HCPC, GOC and GOsC CPD requirements; data protection

Course content

Lessons open one after another as you work through the course. They unlock once you enrol.

1Understanding Reflection in Healthcare Practice2 lessons
  • 1.1 What Reflection Means in Healthcare
  • 1.2 Why Reflection Matters in Healthcare
  • 1.3 Summary Points and Quiz for Section 1
2Introduction to Reflective Practice3 lessons
  • 2.1 Reflection and Lifelong Learning
  • 2.2 Reflection and Emotional Wellbeing
  • 2.3 Barriers to Reflection
  • 2.4 Key Points and Knowledge Check: Section 2
3Types of Reflection in Healthcare1 lesson
  • 3.1 Pause and Reflect
  • 3.2 Summary Points and Quiz for Section 3
4Models and Methods of Reflection3 lessons
  • 4.1 Reflection as a Professional Requirement
  • 4.2 Individual and Group Reflection
  • 4.3 Choosing and Using a Model
  • 4.4 Summary Points and Quiz for Section 4
5Overcoming Barriers to Reflection2 lessons
  • 5.1 Understanding Insight
  • 5.2 Reflection Without Insight
  • 5.3 Key Points and Knowledge Check: Section 5
6From Reflection to Insight2 lessons
  • 6.1 Developing Genuine Insight
  • 6.2 Writing Reflective Notes
  • 6.3 Summary Points and Quiz for Section 6
7Importance of Reflection in Fitness to Practise2 lessons
  • 7.1 Anonymisation and Confidentiality
  • 7.2 Reflection Is Not a Substitute for Reporting
  • 7.3 Summary Points and Quiz for Section 7
8Embedding Reflection in Practice2 lessons
  • 8.1 Reflecting on the Whole of Practice
  • 8.2 Reflection, Feedback and Learning Needs
  • 8.3 Summary Points and Quiz for Section 8
9Conclusion & Summary1 lesson
  • 9.1 Bringing It Together: Key Messages
Reflection and final assessment3 steps
  • Your reflective account
  • Final assessment: 15 questions, 80% to pass
  • Certificate of completion
2 hours

Estimated learning time

This covers the lessons, section checkpoints, your reflective account and the final assessment. Everyone works at a different pace, so record the time you actually spend in your CPD log. The player shows the time you have spent in the course to help you.

Your certificate of completion

When you pass the final assessment you can download a certificate showing your name, the course title, the estimated learning time, your completion date and a certificate number that anyone can check on this website. Keep it with your reflective account in your CPD records.

Questions about this course

How long does the course take?

The estimated learning time is about 2 hours, including the lessons, section checkpoints, your reflective account and the final assessment. People work at different speeds, so record the time you actually spend in your own CPD log.

How do I access the course after buying it?

Log in to your FTP Courses account and open the course from My Courses. The course runs in your web browser on a computer, tablet or phone, and your progress is saved to your account so you can stop and continue later.

How is the course assessed?

Each section ends with a short checkpoint. At the end there is a final assessment of 15 questions; you need 80% (12 correct) to pass. If you do not pass, you can review the course and try again after a short wait.

What do I receive when I finish?

You can download a certificate of completion showing your name, the course title, the estimated learning time, your completion date and a certificate number that can be checked online. You can also download your reflective account for your CPD portfolio.

Is this course linked to my regulator?

No. FTP Courses is an independent education provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any UK regulator. The course is CPD-aligned: it is written to help you learn and reflect against your regulator's published standards, and on completion you receive a certificate of completion stating the estimated learning time. Record the time you actually spend in your own CPD log, and decide how the course fits your CPD or any remediation plan, ideally with advice from your defence organisation, union or legal adviser.

Will completing the course guarantee a particular outcome in a complaint or investigation?

No course can guarantee an outcome. Decision-makers look at genuine insight, reflection and sustained change in your practice. The course is designed to support that learning; it does not replace it.