Subjective Exploration Essay

Subjective Exploration Essay

This essay will explore the advantages and disadvantages of video recording clinical skill sessions and will reflect my own personal views relating to this subject. I will draw both from personal experience and articles I have read on the matter.

I feel that video recording students when carrying out clinical skills is an important and worthwhile tool and when used correctly can improve the skills of those recorded in many areas. As a great deal of emphasis is placed on possessing and developing communication skills the use of video recording provides an excellent educational tool which allows the entire communication process in the nurse patient relationship to be captured. An important factor in using video recording is that students can see themselves as others see them and provides a very effective method of analyzing and evaluating their skills using self reflection. The recorded material can also be reviewed many times not only by the student who has been recorded but also by peers and university staff allowing a wide range of feedback to be received. Another important factor is the ability to store the recording for future repeated review allowing the student to build upon the learning experience as they gain further knowledge improving their self awareness. The clinical skill area allows a student to practice the theory and techniques previously learned in a safe and controlled environment and if video recording is utilised any mistakes can reviewed and addressed without patient safety being compromised. Even though I do feel it is a valuable tool the use of video recording should be restricted to purely educational purposes with consent being gained from students and simulated patients alike in order to maintain privacy.

Students who are being assessed in a clinical skill may already be under some pressure and by introducing video recording this could add to this pressure causing them to make mistakes or act in an unnatural manner. The clinical skill session when involving simulated patients can be considered a form of role play which in my own experience can sometimes produce a negative effect from students as they may feel embarrassed acting out a role in front of the camera making them feel self conscious and again appearing unnatural.

The use of video recording as an educational tool helps a student build and improve their communication and self reflection skills in a safe environment which allows both positive and negative feedback. Video recording skills sessions is a worthwhile tool and I feel the advantages outweigh the disadvantages allowing a student to build and develop their confidence both personally and in the given clinical skill area. The disadvantages I have listed can also be turned into a positive as a student feeling embarrassed or self conscious in front of the camera will be able to build on this