Assignment Explain the importance of continually improving knowledge and practice

   It is important to understand that improving knowledge along with practice is critical in so many ways for a variety of fields. This thing becomes even more important in the field of healthcare. If I am a healthcare professional, then improving my knowledge is crucial, because my increased knowledge will help me to increase the efficiency and quality of my practice. It would be essential for me to look for improvement areas because there is always room for improvement. If knowledge is not improved with up to date skills and practices, then an individual will not be an effective resource to perform well. Being part of the management team, it will be my responsibility to have advanced knowledge to improve my own practice, as well as, relaying the new information to my subordinates so that they also remain up to date. Many requirements can change over time like any process may have new legal requirements to follow so it will always be necessary to update my knowledge to comply with new rules and regulations.

            It is also a valid question, how one can remain updated with the latest knowledge. One good method to improve knowledge and skills is to follow the reflective practice. It means that I should evaluate my current skills and knowledge on a constant basis, and find weak areas so that I can improve myself as a professional resource. It is also vital to realize that healthcare professionals have a big responsibility to handle, and they cannot show negligence in this regard as their negligence can be a threat to human life. So, it is not only critical to do things accordingly but also update knowledge as much as possible for better delivery of service without compromising on quality. If I will improve my knowledge and skills, it will not only reflect in my performance, but it will also make a positive impact on my staff, who is working under my supervision because they will get inspiration and encouragement to do the same.

1.2 Analyse potential barriers to professional development

            The barriers are something, which will always be there in fulfilling different duties of personal and professional life. So, when someone is looking for professional development, it is obvious to face a variety of barriers, which will make the process difficult. The journey of professional development is made tough with these barriers. So, it is vital to understand, which barriers are coming in your way so that you can deal with them accordingly. At any workplace, professional development is a huge challenge because one has to go through a tough time. That’s why some individuals perform better than the others because they overcome barriers better than others. One potential barrier to professional development is the lack of interest from the company to invest in the training and development of the employees. An employee cannot achieve growth and professional development if its employer is not helping by providing new training programs and courses.

            It is vital for companies to manage costs accordingly and ensure that employees are given opportunities to grow through different training programs. The other potential barrier to professional development is lack of self-esteem. If someone is lacking the essence of self-esteem, then they don’t look for improvement and development. Such individuals also lack motivation because they are not confident about their own capabilities, and that’s why they don’t look for any kind of improvement. The same kind of problem is also held with people, who have overconfidence in their abilities. They think that they know everything and they don’t need any further improvement in their skills and knowledge. This attitude also holds people back from professional development. So, these are few barriers out of many other barriers to the professional development of individuals at any given workplace.

1.3 Compare the use of different sources and systems of support for professional development

            If you are ready to move forward with your professional development, then the best thing is that there are so many systems and sources are available for professional development. It is important to know that these systems and sources will vary for every individual according to his/her current job, company, etc. Professional development can be achieved through different sources. Let’s have a look at a few of them, which are most crucial than the others. One good source of professional development is the appraisal. The appraisal is something, which is great for your overall professional career development. It not only helps you to identify your strengths, but it also identifies your weaknesses. The constant evaluation of your performance will come up with great insights, giving an indication about future opportunities, as well as, improvement areas. One can remain updated with his/her skills, as well as, knowledge by using the essence of appraisals.

            The other source for professional development is induction. When you get induction for a job, you get to know about many basics of that particular job. One can get basic skills and knowledge with the help of induction. The induction is also a good system to help people in getting used to their specified roles. The other system of professional development is having development plans. The companies can provide a variety of development plans, which allow employees to improve in a variety of ways. One more way to improve professional development is training programs and courses. The management of a company should understand that training is essential in so many ways. There may be new update in using business software and hardware, there may be an update with processes, or there may be an improvement in the previous system; in all such situations, one cannot handle change, if training is not provided. All of these systems and sources of professional development can be critical for professional development on a long term basis.

1.4 Explain factors to consider when selecting opportunities and activities for keeping knowledge and practice up to date

            The process of improving knowledge along with practice is based on activities and opportunities, which one can follow to get things going in the right direction for his/her professional development. These opportunities can be found with various methods and factors, and one such element is called continuing professional development (CPD). It is a basic framework, which is adopted by professionals to enhance their learning to improve their skills and knowledge as much as possible. If there are no factors behind to stimulate the learning process, then it will always be reactive and passive, but the beauty of CPD is making this learning process, a proactive and conscious one. The best part of CPD is its range of learning methods, which allows people to adjust to the learning process with their own requirements. CPD comes up with different methods such as sharing of ideas, different learning practices, training programs, conferences, workshops, as well as, best practices.

            The other good thing about CPD is that it not only focuses on overall professional development, but it also focused on job-specific roles and responsibilities. Every employee is different in his/her learning approach and pace, and CPD allows them to choose a professional development plan as per their own pace and preferences. The other thing to keep in mind is that CPD is a continuous process because learning is something, which should never stop. Learning should continue with a gradual process so that gradual improvement is continued with the passage of time. It allows individuals to adapt to different situations and conditions, and embrace change. When I look for my own professional development, I think CPD is the best way to follow as it will keep me motivated for continuous learning, which can make a long-lasting effect on my professional career in the future.

Learning Outcome 2

2.1 Evaluate own knowledge and performance against standards and benchmarks

            I can mention so many benchmarks and standards, which can be used to evaluate my own performance and knowledge, as well as, analyzing, how well I am placed with the healthcare profession. One good benchmark to assess your own performance or knowledge level is the standards set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). CQC standards are very much clear about the delivery of service to be delivered by healthcare professionals. For instance, it is clearly mentioned that treatment and care given to people should be as appropriate as possible, making sure that high standards are followed. Moreover, care is given as per the needs and requirements of people, who are seeking care and treatment. It is also said that the respect and dignity of users should also be maintained at any cost. 

            CQC standards also assert that when care & treatment is being provided to anyone, it should be done with their consent. If someone is not willing to give his/her consent, then there is no point to continue with the process. Moreover, the care should be provided in an environment, which is safe enough to carry out any treatment procedures. One should not be exposed to any dangerous conditions, and users must also be protected from any mistreatment. Moreover, the proper system, processes along with appropriate equipment should be used to treat people accordingly. If I look at these standards given by CQC, I can say that these standards are very much relevant to the job roles, which I have to perform as a healthcare professional. All of these standards are part of my practice, so when I evaluate my performance with these standards, it is evident that I cannot be negligent in fulfilling my duties.

2.2 Prioritize development goals and targets to meet expected standards

            It is critical to prioritize things in professional life, as it can help you to get a proper direction with a clear vision. If one cannot prioritize, what needs to be done, and how it can be achieved, then there will always be confusion. So, I strongly believe that it is crucial to prioritize my development targets and goals as per given standards. If I will be able to set developmental targets and goals for my professional career, then it will be easy for me to find my destination with a clear vision. There will be no confusion, what I want to achieve in my professional career. Moreover, when there is some goal to be achieved, it keeps you motivated all the time. If you are directionless and don’t know where to go, then you can’t have the motivation to move forward in the right direction. I have this habit in my personality that when I am clear what I have to achieve, I do it more passionately.

            One should understand that when you set targets for yourself, you are actually defining your future path with certain goals. If I would prioritize my goals in steps, then I will be motivated because I will be aware of my progress. For instance, I have prioritized to learn new skills, then master them in practice, and achieve optimal performance, and then there are three phases in this process. First of all, I will learn the required skills with relevant courses or training programs. Then I will try to practice those learning in my daily tasks, and in the end, I will improve my quality and performance. Prioritizing my work will also help me to arrange tasks and learning activities as per their importance with regards to my professional development.

Learning Outcome 3

3.1 Select learning opportunities to meet development objectives and reflect personal learning style

            You might be thinking that there is only one way of learning, you are absolutely wrong. How can even one single way develop you from different perspectives? The idea of multiple learning styles started developing in the mid-70s and now a number of theories are there to support them. Let me introduce you to the ways of learning for personal development. To me, the following learning styles are really crucial in the development:

•           Interpersonal learning

•           Intrapersonal learning

•           Kinesthetic (physical) learning

•           Verbal (Linguistic) learning

•           Logical learning

In interpersonal learning, people usually relate themselves with others while learning like telling stories and drawing inferences. Such people are really good leaders and team players. In intrapersonal is vice versa, people learn when they are absolutely alone. It is a kind of self-study that helps an introvert to flourish more perfectly. In kinesthetic learning, people do physical activities, and getting hands-on is like an essential part of their learning. Verbal learners are the most influential learners to me because they are linked with reading, writing, speaking, and debating. Leadership, journalism, and team management are the fields they can get command on. We can say that professors, coaches, and politicians are linguistic learners and they can really help other learners in their development. All these learning styles help in the nourishment of personality and skills and help in achieving your goals. Surely, you may have experienced that you work hard but do not get your goals properly. The reason behind it that we commit mistakes in setting goals and objectives and to me SMART is the best guide for you. SMART refers to Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. SMART says that your goal should be clear what you want to do, how to do and when to do and your goal should be measurable, it should be achievable and relevant to your skills. This is how you will be able to develop your personality as well as your career.

3.2 Produce a plan for own professional development, using an appropriate source of support

            After analyzing different important elements associated with the professional development, it is time for me to come up with my own professional development plan with the help of any source, which is useful in developing a professional development plan. The first thing in this process will be to look at expectations, which come from the organization to improve overall organizational performance. I must understand that things cannot be compromised at any cost, because if these things associated with performance will be compromised, then overall organizational performance will be affected. It will also have a negative effect on my professional career as well. Moreover, I will look at the training programs offered by my organization. My organization may offer a variety of training programs, but all of them may not be associated with my professional development. So, I would look for training programs, which are associated with my professional development, and which allow me to enhance my relevant skills and capabilities.

            I would also consider taking managerial courses, which can help me to become a manager, who is known for his quality, efficiency, leadership, and performance. It is critical to understand that such courses are an indispensable part of professional development to achieve professional career goals and targets. It is important to mention here that I would keep the SMART framework in my mind while planning for my own professional development. It is vital to have a plan, which is not only specific and measurable, but it is also achievable, realistic, as well as, time-constrained. The SMART framework will help me to remain on the right track while progressing in my professional career, as it will also help me to evaluate my professional development plan.

3.3 Establish a process to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan

            The evaluation of any plan or process is a key thing to ensure its success or completion. I also understand the importance of evaluation for my professional development plan, because evaluation will keep an eye on the whole process, and if there is something missing, it will be identified during the evaluation process. I already mentioned above that the SMART model will be used to develop my professional development plan, which itself will work as an evaluation tool because it has all the elements, which can be considered as part of the evaluation process. So, my evaluation process will have its basis on the SMART model. I will assign a timeframe to each professional development and learning activity, and after every step, the progress will be evaluated accordingly. It is critical to do so because a professional development plan should be made effective.

            If positive and expected results are not coming with the professional development plan, then the evaluation process will help to identify gaps and issues in the process. Sometimes, there may not be certain issues, but still, there can be room for improvement, and such improvement opportunities can also be achieved through the evaluation process. Every process in the professional development plan will be monitored very closely as per outcomes, and then results will be reviewed to see how much progress is made, and what cannot be achieved. I will also take feedback from my supervisors and colleagues to see how they see my progress in professional development. I will take their feedback as a serious consideration to evaluate my overall performance and make improvements accordingly.

Learning Outcome 4

4.1 Compare models of reflective practice

            Reflective practice is "the ability to consider activity in order to participate in a procedure of consistent realizing", which some conviction isn't right. According to one definition it includes "giving basic consideration to the pragmatic qualities and hypotheses which educate regular activities, by looking at training brilliantly and reflexively. This prompts formative knowledge", Edgar Schon a persuasive author, all things considered, portrayed appearance in two fundamental ways: appearance in real life and reflection on activity. Reflection on activity is thinking back after the occasion whist appearance in real life is occurring during the occasion. I have investigated these terms and have discovered the accompanying:

            Appearance in real life permits the individual to update what they are doing while they are doing it. This methodology can be utilized to improve practice by supporting people to scrutinize their standard work as they do it. They may gauge their conduct against their qualities and estimations of the association to guarantee that these are steady or to attempt another way to deal with action and assess its prosperity. I can see with a reflection on the activity that it includes transforming data into information, by leading an intellectual posthumous. This methodology permits the laborer to take a gander at a particular occurrence, compose a report about it and break down what occurred so they can perceive what extra information or commonsense help would have been expected to forestall or give the episode an alternate result. It permits the individual to set up what they can never really more ready when confronted with a comparable involvement with the future, just as giving a chance to distinguish inadequacies in information or abilities which can be amended without anyone else or passed onto the executives to give explicit preparing to that individual or as a group.

4.2 Explain the importance of reflective practice to improve performance.

            Reflective practice can be a significant instrument by and by based proficient taking in settings where people gaining from their own proficient encounters, instead of from formal instructing or information move, possibly the most significant wellspring of the individual expert turn of events and improvement. Further, it is likewise a significant method to have the option to unite hypothesis and practice; through reflection, you can see and mark ways of thinking and hypothesis inside the setting of your work. Intelligent practice is significant for my development, to self-assess my working practice thus that I can perceive my shortcomings and qualities. Reflective practice empowers me to gain from genuine occasions and to gain from any missteps I may have made to assist me with improving later on. It can just assist in my expert improvement all through my profession. Improving my self-awareness benefits, not just the organization I work for, my staff, and the understudies for who I care for, yet in addition myself.

            It empowers me to stay up with the latest with my insight and aptitudes and change proactively to ensure that the administration I offer is proper and applicable to think about my understudies. The understudies and furthermore the chief must be certain that they can confide in the individuals that they get the consideration from and that they realize what they are doing and do it well. This ought to be a continuous action which is the "standard" for a considerable organization which will upgrade the nature of their work, make staff more joyful which can just make for positive results for the consideration home and the administration clients and the staff. Being a manager, I am answerable for others, for example, staff, and it is basic that I am additionally learned in every aspect of the company and furthermore empower to oversee successfully and inside the enactments set out. Proceeding with my expert advancement has been significant for my vocation and has and will keep on helping me progress and increase the advancement I have had inside my organization.

4.3 Use reflective practice and feedback from others to improve performance

            It is vital to realize that reflective practice along with feedback, which comes from others; it can be used to improve performance in so many ways. That’s why I utilize reflective practice along with feedback all the time in my job performance and activities. It comes from numerous points of view. For instance, from my staff, they have a generally excellent working information on the consideration segment and regularly cause proposals on how things to can function better with manners by which we care for our administration clients. Proposals on what didn't work for them and how we can help make their lives progressively satisfied.

            A portion of the results in utilizing reflective practice may incorporate creation changes to my sincere beliefs or mentalities, undertaking further preparing to learn better approaches for working or to comprehend a subject better, tuning in and looking for guidance and help structure outside sources, associates and so on, likewise gaining from my own missteps. For every healthcare professional, it is necessary to have an essence of reflective practice so that they can reflect on their experience and performance in their job. The feedback coming from others is also critical, and if things are not done as per given feedback, then it is hard to make any improvement in the performance. So, both feedback and reflective practice should be used to get things going in the right direction.

4.4 Evaluate how practice has been improved through:

Reflection on best practice

            There are certain best practices in every field, and when these reflections are kept in context and then things look more appropriate. When I look at these best practices, it helps me to reflect on my own practices, and this comparison helps me to understand that things are moving in which direction. If my practices are closely related to the best practices, then it means that I am doing well, and if there is a huge gap or difference between my practices and best practices, then it is evident that I am having certain issues with my performance and professional development plan. If something is not going in the right direction, then it is my responsibility to see as a manager, why things are not done properly. If we can look at best practices, and follow them accordingly, then there is no reason to stop us from moving forward with great speed and efficiency.

Reflection on failures and mistakes

            Keeping track of what is troublesome, what caused the problem, how to avoid it, and who is causing the problem, will not happen again in the future. We show how this event has changed things and let other staff know about this knowledge to improve it. I must reflect on the mistakes and mistakes made by elderly managers in their position regarding the financial situation and change policies and procedures to protect us and our service users. That meant I had to admit the wrongs I had done in the past.  This also affects employees because they also have to change the way they work. They did not make mistakes, but they persuaded them in a trained and educated way and showed the benefits of working in this new way.