@article{ART003302011},
author={Lee, Dokyung and Kang, Kyoungrim},
title={Reflection and Reflective Practice in Nursing: An Integrative Review and Conceptual Synthesis},
journal={Global Health and Nursing},
issn={2233-5560},
year={2026},
volume={16},
number={1},
pages={3-21},
doi={10.35144/ghn.2026.16.1.3}
TY - JOUR
AU - Lee, Dokyung
AU - Kang, Kyoungrim
TI - Reflection and Reflective Practice in Nursing: An Integrative Review and Conceptual Synthesis
JO - Global Health and Nursing
PY - 2026
VL - 16
IS - 1
PB - Research Institute of Nursing Science
SP - 3
EP - 21
SN - 2233-5560
AB - Purpose: This integrative review aimed to clarify the conceptual differences between reflection and reflective practice through an integrative review of relevant concept analysis studies. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across international and Korean databases between February 11 and March 23, 2025, with no restrictions on publication year. Search terms included “nurse,” “reflection,” “reflective practice,” and “concept analysis.” Only concept analysis studies of reflection or reflective practice in nursing were included. Out of 1,167 retrieved articles, nine were included in the review. Results: Reflective was primarily characterized as an internal cognitive and metacognitive processes aimed at gaining insight and support learning. In contrast, reflective practice emphasized the application of reflection to professional action, focusing on behavioral adjustment and practice improvement in clinical context. Approaches such as reflective thinking aligned with reflection, whereas reflection-in-action aligned more closely with reflective practice. Conclusion: Findings of this integrative review suggest that reflection can be more relevant in educational settings to foster critical thinking.
On the other hand, reflective practice can better support clinical performance through action-based strategies.
Promoting effective use of both concepts may involve developing complementary educational strategies tailored to their distinct features, along with institutional efforts to clarify their appropriate application.
KW - Key Words: Concept Analysis;Integrative review;Nursing;Reflection;Reflective practice
DO - 10.35144/ghn.2026.16.1.3
ER -
Lee, Dokyung and Kang, Kyoungrim. (2026). Reflection and Reflective Practice in Nursing: An Integrative Review and Conceptual Synthesis. Global Health and Nursing, 16(1), 3-21.
Lee, Dokyung and Kang, Kyoungrim. 2026, "Reflection and Reflective Practice in Nursing: An Integrative Review and Conceptual Synthesis", Global Health and Nursing, vol.16, no.1 pp.3-21. Available from: doi:10.35144/ghn.2026.16.1.3
Lee, Dokyung, Kang, Kyoungrim "Reflection and Reflective Practice in Nursing: An Integrative Review and Conceptual Synthesis" Global Health and Nursing 16.1 pp.3-21 (2026) : 3.
Lee, Dokyung, Kang, Kyoungrim. Reflection and Reflective Practice in Nursing: An Integrative Review and Conceptual Synthesis. 2026; 16(1), 3-21. Available from: doi:10.35144/ghn.2026.16.1.3
Lee, Dokyung and Kang, Kyoungrim. "Reflection and Reflective Practice in Nursing: An Integrative Review and Conceptual Synthesis" Global Health and Nursing 16, no.1 (2026) : 3-21.doi: 10.35144/ghn.2026.16.1.3
Lee, Dokyung; Kang, Kyoungrim. Reflection and Reflective Practice in Nursing: An Integrative Review and Conceptual Synthesis. Global Health and Nursing, 16(1), 3-21. doi: 10.35144/ghn.2026.16.1.3
Lee, Dokyung; Kang, Kyoungrim. Reflection and Reflective Practice in Nursing: An Integrative Review and Conceptual Synthesis. Global Health and Nursing. 2026; 16(1) 3-21. doi: 10.35144/ghn.2026.16.1.3
Lee, Dokyung, Kang, Kyoungrim. Reflection and Reflective Practice in Nursing: An Integrative Review and Conceptual Synthesis. 2026; 16(1), 3-21. Available from: doi:10.35144/ghn.2026.16.1.3
Lee, Dokyung and Kang, Kyoungrim. "Reflection and Reflective Practice in Nursing: An Integrative Review and Conceptual Synthesis" Global Health and Nursing 16, no.1 (2026) : 3-21.doi: 10.35144/ghn.2026.16.1.3
