Reflective Writing for Physiotherapy Practice
This advanced physiotherapy CPD course is designed for clinicians seeking to deepen their professional growth through evidence-informed reflective writing. Reflection is a powerful tool that transforms experience into insight, improves clinical reasoning, and supports continuous learning—key components of CPD, audit preparation, and safe patient care.
Reflective writing is more than a regulatory requirement—it fosters emotional resilience, professional accountability, and critical thinking. However, physiotherapists often struggle with structuring reflections that go beyond simple descriptions. This course guides participants through the process of transitioning from a surface-level reaction to a meaningful insight, utilizing structured frameworks and real-life case studies.
Throughout the session, participants will explore well-established reflective models such as Gibbs’ Cycle, Rolfe’s Framework, Brookfield’s Lenses, and others, developing the ability to apply them to day-to-day clinical scenarios. Through a case-based walkthrough and scaffolded writing prompts, physiotherapists will learn how to construct reflective essays that meet the expectations of HCPC and CSP while also directly enhancing clinical performance.
By engaging in structured reflection, physiotherapists will not only satisfy CPD requirements but also become more intentional, insightful, and adaptable in their clinical practice.
Physiotherapy CPD Course Learning Objectives:
- Define reflective writing and its relevance to clinical and professional growth.
- Differentiate between reflection levels and apply critical thinking to case-based experiences.
- Compare key reflective models, including Gibbs, Rolfe, 5R Framework, Johns, Brookfield, and Atkins & Murphy.
- Structure a reflective essay that meets HCPC and CSP expectations.
- Translate insights into actionable improvement in clinical practice.
🧠Lecture Structure & Timing Breakdown
|
Time |
Section |
Key Content |
|
0–5 min |
Introduction & Relevance |
– Define reflective writing – Set expectations for session – Importance of reflection in CPD and lifelong learning (HCPC, CSP, NHS context) |
|
5–15 min |
Why Reflect? |
– Benefits: clinical reasoning, emotional resilience, accountability, professional identity – Link to patient safety and development – Brief mention of real-life applications |
|
15–35 min |
Overview of Reflective Models |
– Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle (1988): Step-by-step structure – Rolfe et al. (2001): What? So What? Now What? – 5R Framework: Reporting → Reconstructing (Bain et al.) – Johns’ Model of Structured Reflection: Holistic lens – Brookfield’s Four Lenses: Self, students, peers, literature – Atkins & Murphy Model: Emphasis on triggers and cognitive change – Visual comparison table of frameworks |
|
35–45 min |
Levels of Reflection |
– Descriptive vs. analytical vs. critical reflection – Examples of weak vs. strong reflections – Critical thinking prompts |
|
45–65 min |
Case Study Walkthrough |
– Present realistic case (e.g. a junior physio navigating uncertainty in patient discharge) – Apply 3 models (e.g., Gibbs, Rolfe, Brookfield) to same scenario – Compare the insights each model draws out – Highlight implications for future action |
|
65–75 min |
How to Structure a Reflective Essay |
– Introduction: context and significance – Description: concise, objective – Analysis: guided by chosen model – Learning & insight: what was gained? – Action plan: future change – Link to CPD recording and evidence of learning – Sample outline and writing prompts |
|
75–80 min |
Wrap-Up & Next Steps |
– Key takeaways from each section – Post-webinar journaling prompt – Resources for continued learning (e.g. reflection templates, CSP/HCPC guidance) – Closing message |
CPD Credit Hours
1 hour and 30 minutes
Who Should Enroll
This reflective writing CPD course is ideal for physiotherapists of all specialties who wish to strengthen their reflective writing skills—whether for CPD portfolio development, HCPC audits, professional identity formation, or improved clinical practice.
Resources
- Downloadable Slide Deck
- CPD Certificate
- Guided Reflective Essay Template (Word or PDF)
- Annotated Reflective Essay Examples (Basic to Advanced)
- Speaker Notes and Case-Based Scenarios
- 60 Days of Access to Learning Materials
Course Presenter
Dr. Rina Pandya PT, DPT, FHEA, PGLTHE
Dr. Rina Pandya is a highly experienced physical therapist with a diverse international background. She earned her entry-level degree from the School of Allied Health Sciences Manipal, India, and her post-professional doctoral degree from the University of Michigan-Flint.
With extensive clinical experience in India, Oman, the United Kingdom, and the United States, Dr. Pandya brings a global perspective to her practice. Her roles as a clinician and rehabilitation manager have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare systems and patient care.
A dedicated advocate for lifelong learning, Dr. Pandya has completed numerous professional development courses and certifications, including a Fellowship in Higher Education (FHEA) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (PGLTHE). Her passion for evidence-based practice is further strengthened by her completion of a formal research methods program at the Manchester School of Physiotherapy.
Dr. Pandya’s commitment to teaching and her desire to empower clinicians make her an ideal instructor for this course. Her engaging teaching style and practical approach will enhance your understanding of the subject matter and inspire you to implement evidence-based reflective practices in your clinical setting.
Disclaimer: Our online physiotherapy courses meet the criteria and guidelines for CPD (Continuing Professional Development). The CPD hours indicated on the certificate contribute towards fulfilling professional standards and requirements necessary for CPD audits conducted by the HCPC and AHPRA. These CPD hours are important for maintaining physiotherapy registration and ensuring compliance with the CPD audit and physiotherapy registration renewal processes. Our courses are recognized as valuable continuing education resources across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and throughout Asia and the Middle East.
