Reflective learning and reflective practice: foundational education theories and applications in surgery
F P Prete1, M Covelli2, A Ballini3
1Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Jonian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
La Clinica Terapeutica
|July 29, 2025
Summary
Reflection is vital for surgeons to improve skills and ensure lifelong learning. However, this essential practice remains understudied and underutilized in surgical training and practice.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Professional Development
Background:
- Reflection is a key component of reflective learning and practice in medicine.
- Surgeons need to reflect on experiences for rigorous self-assessment and performance improvement.
- Reflection supports lifelong learning and maintenance of certification in surgical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of reflection in surgical training and practice.
- To emphasize the need for education on reflective learning strategies for surgeons.
- To address the underutilization of reflection in surgery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on reflection in medical education.
- Analysis of the role of reflection in surgical competency and lifelong learning.
- Discussion of barriers to implementing reflection in surgical settings.
Main Results:
- Reflection is crucial for surgeons to analyze actions, assess performance, and identify improvement areas.
- Reflection is essential for continuous professional development and assuring surgical competency.
- Current implementation of reflection as a learning strategy in surgery is limited.
Conclusions:
- Reflection is an understudied and underutilized tool in surgical training and practice.
- Enhanced education and implementation strategies are needed to leverage reflection in surgery.
- Promoting reflection can significantly enhance surgical skills and lifelong learning.
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