title: Web-based apps for reflection: a longitudinal study with hospital staff.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Reflection is an important cognitive process in workplace learning; however, it occurs only rarely on its own and therefore needs additional support.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In this study, we investigated the effect of software applications (apps) that aim to support reflection on hospital staff's actual reflection behavior. In doing so, we also analyzed the relationship between reflection and the job satisfaction of health care professionals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Reflective learning was introduced in the ward of a neurological hospital by providing apps that aimed to foster particular aspects of individual and collaborative reflection. Data were collected repeatedly: once before the introduction of the apps and again 2 years after the initial measure. We used a questionnaire with subjective ratings of reflection and job satisfaction. Response rates were 34.4% (167/485) for the first and 40.6% (210/517) for the second measure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Collaborative reflection was increased (P=.047) after the provision of the apps (2010: mean 2.84, SD 0.72; 2012: mean 3.06, SD 0.63) in contrast to a control group of other wards of the same hospital (2010: mean 2.68, SD 0.67; 2012: mean 2.63, SD 0.68). In addition, we revealed a positive correlation between collaborative reflection and job satisfaction (r=.61, P<.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings provide evidence for an effect of the apps on hospital employees' reflection behavior. Apps that foster reflective learning can increase health care professionals' reflection about work experiences and support them in discussing experiences in teams or with their supervisors. The relationship between collaborative reflection and job satisfaction suggests that opportunities for joint reflection on work experiences in a hospital have further impact over and above fostering reflective learning per se. We discuss the limitations of our study and provide suggestions for both future research and the development of Web-based apps.
authors.forename: Bettina
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Renner
authors.forename: Joachim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kimmerle
authors.forename: Dominik
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cavael
authors.forename: Volker
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ziegler
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Reinmann
authors.forename: Ulrike
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Cress
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D007858:Learning; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D012984:Software; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013850:Thinking; D017132:Workplace
keywords: computer applications software; education, continuing; hospitals; job satisfaction; learning; longitudinal studies; mobile applications; self report