As part of the Professional Capstone and Practicum course, I have maintained weekly reflective narratives that will be combined into one course-long reflective journal. Through this journal, I have reflected on the personal knowledge and skills gained throughout the course, focusing on a variable combination of the following, depending on my specific practice immersion clinical experiences:
- New practice approaches
During my practice immersion, I learned about new approaches to patient care that have proven to be effective in improving patient outcomes. One approach that I found particularly useful was the use of telehealth technology to connect with patients in remote locations or those who are unable to physically visit the clinic. This technology has significantly improved access to care for patients and has also allowed healthcare providers to deliver high-quality care while reducing costs.
- Intraprofessional collaboration
Working with other healthcare professionals has been an essential aspect of my practice immersion experience. I have learned how to collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as nurses, social workers, and physicians, to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care that addresses their unique needs. This collaboration has helped me understand the importance of teamwork in healthcare and has improved my ability to communicate effectively with other professionals.
- Health care delivery and clinical systems
Through my practice immersion, I have gained a better understanding of how healthcare delivery and clinical systems operate. I have learned about the different roles of healthcare professionals in these systems and how they work together to provide high-quality care to patients. Additionally, I have become more aware of the challenges that healthcare providers face, such as limited resources and funding, and how these challenges can impact patient care.
- Ethical considerations in health care
Ethical considerations play a significant role in healthcare, and through my practice immersion, I have learned how to navigate these complex issues. I have learned about the importance of patient autonomy, informed consent, and confidentiality in healthcare. Additionally, I have become more aware of the ethical dilemmas that healthcare providers face, such as end-of-life care and resource allocation, and how to approach these situations with empathy and professionalism.
- Population health concerns
As part of my practice immersion, I have learned about the different factors that contribute to population health concerns, such as social determinants of health, access to care, and environmental factors. I have also learned about the importance of addressing these concerns to improve the health outcomes of communities.
- The role of technology in improving health care outcomes
Technology plays an increasingly important role in healthcare, and I have learned about the different ways that technology can improve patient outcomes. I have learned about electronic health records, telehealth, and mobile health applications, and how they can be used to improve patient care and outcomes.
- Health policy
Health policy has a significant impact on healthcare delivery, and through my practice immersion, I have learned about the different policies that affect healthcare providers and patients. I have learned about the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, and Medicare, and how these policies have impacted access to care and healthcare delivery.
- Leadership and economic models
Leadership and economic models are essential aspects of healthcare delivery, and through my practice immersion, I have learned about the different leadership styles and economic models that are used in healthcare. I have learned about the importance of effective leadership and how it can impact patient outcomes. Additionally, I have learned about different economic models, such as fee-for-service and value-based care, and how they can impact healthcare delivery.
- Health disparities
Health disparities are a significant concern in healthcare, and through my practice immersion, I have learned about the different factors that contribute to these disparities. I have learned about the impact of social determinants of health, such as income and education, on health outcomes. Additionally, I have learned about the importance of addressing these disparities to ensure that all patients receive high-quality care that addresses