Abstract
AIM: To develop a reflection method for community nurses and certified nursing assistants to support the implementation of a professional reporting guideline for nurses and certified nursing assistants in daily care and to identify its key features. DESIGN: Design-based research. METHODS: This study was conducted in the Netherlands from February 2021 to April 2022. The reflection method was developed by a design group (community nurses, certified nursing assistants and a patient representative) and four test groups of nurses. Experiences of participants were explored with video recordings and observational notes from test group meetings. The data were thematically analysed to refine the reflection method and identify key features. RESULTS: A final reflection method was developed. We identified three main themes: (1) Impact on behaviour change, (2) group learning and (3) conditional factors for critical reflection. Seven key features emerged as essential, forming the building blocks of the reflection method: focus on critical reflection, allocate time to formulate themes, include participants from various backgrounds and organisations, ensure the group is appropriately sized, allow for sufficient time, keep it simple and attractive and stimulate the group to make the transfer of learning to their clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: The final method included two 2 h meetings with up to six participants and a coach. Participants learned from critical reflection and feedback to improve the reporting quality and critical assessment of daily practices, especially from colleagues with varying team affiliations and educational backgrounds. IMPACT: This reflection method enables community nurses and certified nursing assistants to learn collaboratively, aligning with the 'Nursing and Caring Reporting' guideline and bridging the gap between research and clinical practice. REPORT METHOD: The COREQ guideline was used. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The study design facilitated close collaboration among researchers, community nurses, certified nursing assistants and clients.