Reflection 2

Archiving on Google sheets reflected the need for decentralisation of data in current health systems. In modern healthcare, centralised data management systems that have a single authority are vulnerable to a “single point of failure” that can emanate from intentional or unintentional errors or malfunctioning which results in a negative impact for that entire health system or process (Yaqoob et al., 2022). This experience emphasised the importance of healthcare data system that are setup to be resilient, which is similarly important in health systems.

Our supervisor constantly stressed that archived data should look as if it were captured by one person, referring to the format, sequence and grammar in the archival database. These expectations mirrored the principles of blockchain technology, where each new block of data is dependent on the format of the preceding block (Gökalp et al., 2018). In the context of using Google Sheets, I recognised the potential to implement similar consistency checks by defining cell formats and validation rules. This insight reinforced the importance of structured data management, which is crucial for academic research and professional practice.

While the tasks were administrative, this prompted me to think critically about the broader implications of data management practices in healthcare. For example, a single error in data entry could have far-reaching consequences in a centralised system led me to consider alternative approaches, such as decentralised and blockchain-based systems, which offer enhanced security and error prevention (Heston, 2017).

In regards to my self-development through critical reflection, self-directed learning (which is a conscious and intentional process of learning within a person’s work environment) requires developing a self-awareness one’s strengths and weaknesses (Nesbit, 2012). This experience forced me to be self-aware that my competencies and interest do not lie in repetitive tasks that do not require critical thinking.

According to Schön’s (1983) concept of the reflective practitioner enables me to define my professional growth by understanding where my strengths and weaknesses lie, and adapt my practices accordingly. The realisation that the tasks did not engage my health systems science competencies led me to critically assess my future career trajectory, ensuring that my professional development aligns with my strengths in research, analytical and consultancy roles.

Unfortunately, the tasks I completed did not contribute to the acquisition of knowledge, key skills, or competencies that are directly relevant to my subject discipline, workplace, or the later stages of my course program. While the work required basic technical skills like data entry, it did not challenge me or enhance my abilities in areas critical to health systems science, research, or consultancy.

My professional communication skills were not significantly impacted due to the informal nature of our placement. The tasks I undertook did not require or develop formal communication skills typically needed in a professional environment. While I followed instructions and maintained data consistency, this experience did not provide an opportunity to engage in the kind of structured, professional communication that is essential in most workplace settings.

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References

Gökalp, E., Gökalp, M. O., Çoban, S., & Eren, P. E. (2018). Analysing opportunities and challenges of integrated blockchain technologies in healthcare. Information Systems:

Research, Development, Applications, Education: 11th SIGSAND/PLAIS EuroSymposium 2018, Gdansk, Poland, September 20, 2018, Proceedings 11, 174-183.

Heston, T. F. (2017). A case study in blockchain healthcare innovation.

Nesbit, P. L. (2012). The Role of Self-Reflection, Emotional Management of Feedback, and Self-Regulation Processes in Self-Directed Leadership Development. Human Resource Development Review, 11(2), 203-226. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534484312439196

Yaqoob, I., Salah, K., Jayaraman, R., & Al-Hammadi, Y. (2022). Blockchain for healthcare data management: opportunities, challenges, and future recommendations. Neural Computing and Applications, 34(14), 11475-11490. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00521-020-05519-w