Centre for Policy on Ageing



Reflection in action in caring for the dying — applying organizational learning theory to improve communications in terminal care
Author(s)	David Cherin, Susan Enguidanos, Richard Brumley
Journal title	Home Health Care Services Quarterly, vol 19, no 4, 2001
Pages	pp 65-78
Source	http://www.tandfonline.com
Keywords	Dying ; Terminal care ; Communication ; Learning capacity ; Theory.
Annotation	Currently, single loop learning is the predominant method of problem solving orientation engaged in by healthcare institutions. This mode of learning is not conducive to fostering the communications needed between health care providers and terminally ill patients. Reflection in action, second loop learning, focuses on deep listening and dialogue, and can be critical in opening communications paths between dying patients and their caregivers. This article discusses organisational learning theory, and applies the theory's double loop learning technique of reflection in action to end-of-life care. It further explores an exemplar of reflection in action in a palliative care programme and end-of-life home care programme at Kaiser Permanente. Greater efforts are needed to incorporate second loop learning into the practice of those caring for terminally ill patients, in order to meet their needs more effectively. (KJ/RH).
Accession Number	CPA-011207206 A
Classmark	CX: LV: U: DE: 4D
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...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.