Journal of Women's Health Care
Open Access
ISSN: 2167-0420
ISSN: 2167-0420
Vanessa Ackland-Tilbrook
Women�s & Children�s Health Network, Australia
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Womens Health Care
Reflective Imagery is a figurative, descriptive language that assists with the portrayal of an idea, actions or objects. It is a form of communication that transcends culture, age, cognition & language. Traditionally midwives use words to reflect on their continuous practice development. Yet the evidence suggests that many midwives struggle with reflection. Representational reflective imagery was implemented as an assessment activity post completion of a Global Women�s Health module. Attending Nurse/Midwives were asked to illustrate their context position. They were asked to consider their role, and how they view themselves as practitioners within the current context of Global Women�s Health issues. Calico squares were given to the group and they were asked to portray their attributes and personal thoughts or opinions using imagery. Imagery could be drawing, sewing or quilting. A written description of their image was also completed explaining the choice of image and its significance. Students found this activity to be challenging, thought provoking and rewarding as evidenced below; �An understanding of what the client has experienced and from where they have originated from can only lead to a more compassionate and meaningful interaction in our delivery of health care� �This was a very rewarding and important activity. The feelings of contentment as I completed the process of reflection through this craft piece, caught me by surprise.� Representational reflective imagery proved a worthwhile tool to aid in the reflection of the personal attributes that help midwives be with and care for women and their families.
Vanessa Ackland-Tilbrook is a Higher degree by Research Candidate in Health Science (Master’s) at Central Queensalnd University. She has 29 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, Midwife, Paediatric Nurse, Paediatric Critical Care Nurse and Academic. She has taught at University in Paediatric, Neonatal and Midwifery Programs, and developed curriculum for both the undergraduate nursing and midwifery programs and a post graduate complex midwifery program. Currently, she is working as the level 3 Midwifery Education Facilitator in Adelaide, South Australia. She is also the Creator of Open the VALT™ and has published on her concept.
Email: Vanessa.Tilbrook@sa.gov.au