Fundamentals of Nursing and Midwifery 2e

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.

THOUGHTFUL PRACTICE

Reflective practice leading to personal learning

Clinical reasoning, judgement and decision making

PERSON

Clinician’s action in response to individual clinical need

Person-centred process of care

Figure U3-1 Thoughtful practice

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 www.laerdal.com.au and related cases are available via Docucare.

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