Gibbs' reflective cycle (1988) has six stages: description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion and action plan. Driscoll's and Rolfe's models both use three questions: What? So what? Now what? Gibbs suits detailed reflection on a single event; the What? models suit shorter, regular reflection. No model is required by the NMC; choose the one that helps you think clearly.
Key takeaways
- Gibbs: six stages, good for a detailed look at one event.
- Driscoll and Rolfe: What? So what? Now what?, good for concise, regular reflection.
- The NMC does not require a particular model.
- A model is a thinking tool; your final writing should focus on impact, learning and change.
Reflective models give structure to your thinking so that reflection goes beyond describing what happened. They are widely taught in nursing and midwifery education, and they are useful for revalidation, supervision and Fitness to Practise alike.
Which reflective model is best for the NMC?
The NMC does not require any particular model. What matters is that your reflection shows what you learned and how your practice has changed, with reference to the Code. Use Gibbs when you need to unpick a significant event in depth; use a What? So what? Now what? model for shorter, regular entries.
What is Gibbs' reflective cycle?
Gibbs' reflective cycle, developed by Graham Gibbs in 1988, takes you through six stages. It is especially useful when feelings are strong, because it gives them a place before moving to analysis.
- Description: what happened?
- Feelings: what were you thinking and feeling?
- Evaluation: what was good and bad about the experience?
- Analysis: what sense can you make of it, drawing on guidance and evidence?
- Conclusion: what else could you have done?
- Action plan: what will you do if it arises again?
Worked example (short): Description: I gave a medicine late because I was covering two bays. Feelings: I felt anxious and rushed. Evaluation: I escalated the workload, but not early enough. Analysis: local policy and the Code (preserve safety) required me to raise concerns promptly. Conclusion: I should have escalated at handover. Action plan: I now flag workload risks at the start of a shift and use the escalation tool.
Our Gibbs' reflective cycle worksheet has guided questions and a fuller worked example.
What is Driscoll's model of reflection?
John Driscoll's model builds on Terry Borton's three questions: What? So what? Now what? Driscoll added trigger questions under each heading to prompt deeper thinking. It is quick to use and works well for regular reflective entries.
- What? What happened, what did I do, what did others do?
- So what? What did I feel, what were the consequences, what does it mean for my practice?
- Now what? What will I do differently, what support do I need, how will I know it has worked?
Worked example (short): What? A family member complained that they had not been updated. So what? I realised I had assumed a colleague had called them; the family felt excluded (prioritise people). Now what? I now confirm who will update families at handover and document it.
What is Rolfe's reflective model?
Rolfe and colleagues (2001) also use What? So what? Now what? as a framework for reflexive practice. The emphasis is on moving from description, through understanding, to action. In practice, Rolfe's and Driscoll's models are close relatives; choose whichever set of prompts you find more useful.
Reflection is not a punishment exercise. It is how safe practice grows.
How do I turn a model into writing that meets regulatory standards?
Use the model to think, then write for your reader. For revalidation, that means the NMC's reflective accounts form. For Fitness to Practise, it means a reflective statement organised around impact, insight, action and change. In both cases, connect your learning to the Code and give specific examples.
For FtP specifically, follow how to structure an NMC reflective statement. For revalidation, see revalidation reflective accounts vs FtP reflection.
How often should I reflect?
Little and often beats one long session before a deadline. A few short entries a month, using a What? model, builds a record that shows how your thinking develops over time.
The Reflection Writing course covers models of reflection in depth, and the Code of Conduct course helps you link reflection to the Code.
Frequently asked questions
Description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion and action plan.
Both use What? So what? Now what?, building on Borton's questions. Driscoll adds trigger questions under each heading; Rolfe and colleagues frame it as reflexive practice. They are very similar in use.
No. The NMC does not require a specific model. It expects reflection that shows learning and changed practice, linked to the Code.
Gibbs is useful for thinking through a significant event, but organise the final statement around impact, insight, action and change.
