Using Gibbs Reflective Cycle (1988)

The NMC Code states “…respect a person’s right to privacy in all aspects of their care” (Nursing and Midwifery Council (2015a)) Prior to beginning this placement, I had no knowledge of patient observations, such as 1:1 eyesight, other than ‘suicide watch’. This reflection explores an observation of a care support worker who was observing a patient who was at high risk of absconsion, discussing my feelings of the situation and how I aim to improve my own practice based on this observation.

In this reflection, I shall be using Gibbs reflective cycle (1988, as cited in Oxford Brookes University (n.d.)) I have chosen this model as this particular reflection is an observation of a professional issue, Gibbs includes the ability to discuss how I felt during the observation which provides opportunity to constructively criticise others practice, linking in with an evaluation and conclusion where I could improve not
In order to ensure the safety of the patient there are certain observation periods: 1:1 arm’s length, 1:1 eyesight, x6 in the hour, x4 in hour and hourly. When a patient is placed on 1:1 arm’s length or 1:1 eyesight a staff member must be with the patient 24/7 meaning that the patient’s right to privacy is compromised. I observed a patient who was on 1:1 eyesight for risk of absconsion and they were becoming rather annoyed and agitated with the support worker who was observing them; they wanted privacy. I can understand why the patient was feeling annoyed and becoming increasingly agitated with the support worker who was observing them as they have a right to privacy and the support worker was actively following the patient, rather than interacting with them. Although the patient was becoming annoyed, I can also understand that it is within best interest of the patient’s safety as they could have absconded from the ward placing them in a place of