Professionalism: a self-review module for the multi-disciplinary team
Professionalism is a core requisite for all clinical staff, yet it is often called into question.
Professionalism includes a variety of different behaviours, ranging from the expression on our face, undermining team members or driving over the legal limit. Lapses in professionalism can be very challenging for supervisors to manage, particularly if culture or specific personality traits are thought to play a part.
Under pressure and stress, our professional behaviour can slip and we all rely on our colleagues to bring it to our attention at the time. Reminders that we are steering off the path of professionalism can be extremely beneficial for our growth. How we listen and respond to feedback is an important measure of our commitment to reflection and reviewing our values, beliefs and behaviours is essential in order to develop our professional skills further.
Occasionally, a professional’s probity will be called into question. For example, in misleading a supervisor by claiming hours not actually worked, or implying another team member was responsible for an error when it is not true. All would agree that dishonesty, whatever your profession, is never acceptable. Sometimes lack of maturity, inexperience in recognising the seriousness of a situation or cultural differences may play a part in inadvertent wrong doing.
Reflection and self-review are essential for all clinical staff and this module is designed for the multi-disciplinary healthcare team at all stages in their career with a short self-review questionnaire, podcast and reading materials. The examples given are all real, redacted scenarios for you to consider your opinion of the member of staff’s professionalism. After noting your answer, click on ‘supervisor comments’ to read the opinion and response from a medical, dental, nursing or allied health professional (AHP) education lead.
Click here to watch the podcast and hear Ms Fiona O’Sullivan Head of School: ophthalmology and Mr Nigel Fisher: Associate Dean secondary care dentistry talking about their experiences and giving tips on maintaining professionalism. After that, click on the workbook to:
a) ‘Test’ yourself by scrolling through the workbook questions and supervisor comments or
b) Print off the workbook, complete and save to your portfolio/appraisal or
c) Use the examples as the basis for discussion with colleagues at a multi-disciplinary team meeting or development event
Authors
Jocelyn Hewitt, Education Lead: PDD, Dr Helen Halpern Associate Dean: PDD, Ms Fiona O’ Sullivan, Head of School for Ophthalmology.
Contributors
Mr Nigel Fisher, Dr May Nel, Dr Catherine O’Keeffe, Dr P Brodrick, Dr J Launer, Dr Naomi Brecker and selected edits by G Stephens.
