B
eing thoughtful is defined by
The Macquarie Dictionary
(2012) as being
given to or marked by thought, being careful or mindful, and being
considerate. This definition reveals that the act of being thoughtful involves
the actual cognitive process of thinking, the consideration of all aspects of
the situation, including its practicalities, and the affective process of
considering the needs of others. In Chapter 1, nursing and midwifery
practice is described as being an integration of knowledge and cognitive
processes, practical clinical skills and affective qualities such as
compassion and caring. The term ‘thoughtful’ may therefore be applied to
practice. The concept of thoughtful practice is illustrated in Figure U3-1. The
components of thoughtful practice all interrelate and need to operate
together to create thoughtful, person-centred care.
Reflective practice
leading to
personal learning
Clinical reasoning,
judgement and
decision making
Person-centred
process of care
Clinician’s action
in response to
individual clinical
need
PERSON
THOUGHTFUL PRACTICE
Figure U3-1
Thoughtful practice
236
Simulation-based learning
This unit presents the concepts involved in person-centred care. On completion of this
unit consider the scenario of Carl Shapiro and how these concepts may be applied during
his presentation in the emergency department and during his stay in the coronary care
unit. Consider how his care may be designed using the model for thoughtful practice.
This scenario is available via
and related cases are available via Docucare.
