Research Week Abstract Book - Northern Health

Health Service Evaluation
INNOVATIVE PODIATRY STUDenT PlaCemenTS AT NORTHERN HEALTH
Health SERVICE EVALUAtion
Grollo A, Morphet A, Gazarek J.
Background
Tertiary institution processes have recently changed with student enrolments increasing, placing new demands on
placements within the healthcare setting. In response to changing university curriculum and in line with Victorian Department
of Health, Clinical Placement Networks and Health Workforce Australia, Northern Health (NH) Podiatry department identified
a unique opportunity in provision of clinical placement education. NH developed an innovative approach to the management
and delivery of podiatry student clinical placements to ultimately increase capacity.
Aim
To ensure provision of high quality, evidence based and safe student clinical education whilst supporting clinicians and
students.
Methodology
To address increasing placement demands and a decrease in students being graduate-ready when on placement; NH
created a Podiatry Clinical Educator (CE) position. This role involved a gap analysis and facilitation of developments
including: augmenting 2:1 model of supervision; integrating simulation into traditional clinical education; evidence based
tutorials and support provision to podiatrists and students. Pre and post introduction of the CE position qualitative data was
collated via surveys.
Results
Evaluation findings of student (N = 8) and podiatrist (N = 9) perspectives in areas including confidence, communication,
support, supervision and placement experience show high podiatrist and student satisfaction.
Conclusion
The addition of a Podiatry CE position and great team communication; strategies implemented allow consistent provision of
high quality, evidence based student clinical placements, where students develop skills whilst working in a well supported
clinical environment.
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