Reflection

 Planning

What specific learning need(s) have I identified?
How have I identified these learning need(s)?

My locality group has received funding to
run a falls incentive in Jan 05. I have
agreed to participate in this scheme but
there are learning needs that need to be
addressed to ensure optimum success.
I need to:
Identify the risk factors for falls
Find out the advice we as pharmacists
can give to prevent falls.

This pharmacist has successfully identified specific learning needs and described the trigger for their learning.

What activity/activities could I undertake to
meet this learning need(s)?
When do I plan to complete the
activity/activities?

I will attend a mandatory training
event for this initiative on the 09/12/04.
I will also read an article in MEREC
bulletin ‘Prescribing for the older
person' by the end of this week.

The planned activities can be realistically achieved and are set with a time limit which is motivational for the pharmacist.

Evaluation

Action

Did I meet my learning need(s)?
How has my practice changed as a result of
my learning?
Have I identified any further/additional learning
need(s)?

Formal training completed and learning needs met.
I have recruited some patients for the pilot scheme in order to identify their risk factors and discuss with them how to prevent/minimise the risk of falling.
I will hopefully gain some useful feedback from the patients that I see. I plan to reflect and identify further needs once the scheme is underway.

The pharmacist has indicated that they have met their needs and how they have changed their practice so far. It would be useful to return to this cycle and add in some further detail once the initiative is running.

What have I learned?
What didn't I learn that I expected to learn?

I learnt about the various risk factors involved in falls e.g. medication, dehydration etc.
I also learnt about the importance of a healthy diet (including calcium and Vit. D) and also the importance of gentle exercise - as a pharmacist I can advise on all of these aspects.

From reading this section you can clearly see what the pharmacist learnt and how this is closely related to their original learning needs.

Activity

Date 

Time Taken 

Evidence 

 Training evening
- falls incentive

09/12/2004

3 hours

Handouts and notes

Reading MEREC

05/12/2004 

25 minutes

Bulletin and notes