A collaboration between the University of Strathclyde and Prosthetic & Orthotic Practice Educators for improved practice educator training

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McMonagle, Christine and Sinclair, Lorna and McBride, Rachel (2023) A collaboration between the University of Strathclyde and Prosthetic & Orthotic Practice Educators for improved practice educator training. In: NHS Education for Scotland Virtual Annual Conference 2023, 2023-04-27 - 2023-04-28, Online Event.

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Abstract

Introduction, One of the most important experiences of learning for AHP students is clinical placement, in which students apply theory to practice. In order for practice educators to support student learning on placement, it is important for HEIs to provide relevant training to practice educators. The BSc(Hons) Prosthetics and Orthotics Programme, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde (UoS) provides a 3 hour training session to prosthetic and orthotic practice educators and also offers board specific training sessions on request. Following Covid, these sessions have run successfully online, over Zoom. Content of the training is usually reviewed and revised by the practice education co-ordinators annually, and informal feedback is invited. Feedback collated during the NHS Education for Scotland (NES) Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) scoping review, and NES Allied Health Professional (AHP) Practice Educators survey, demonstrated that Practice Educator (PE) training provided by the University of Strathclyde (UoS) was one of the most important factors for clinicians when supporting student practice-based learning (PrBL). In response to this, P&O practice educators and NCPO agreed to collaborate on a project to review and improve the content of P&O specific PE training. AIM: To seek views on content, materials and methods used in PE training, and following feedback, implement changes which will improve the current uni-professional training. Methods: NES / UoS P&O PE survey specifically around P&O PE Training – 32 respondents with recruitment of n=11 volunteers – describe participants (P/O) Of the 11, 5 representatives participated in review from NES / UoS / P and O workforce – describe (P/O) - describe experience Based on the findings and feedback of the survey - revision of UoS PE training materials took place with addition of new resources – done over MSTeams with the use of Jamboard. Revised UoS P&O PE Training piloted in January 2023 and re-evaluated using MSForms Results/Discussion, Bar charts – summary of change I terms of percentage helpful and v. helpful Chart for the new materials Summary paragraph Comments from pilot evaluation Discussion and Conclusion This project met its aim of improving the content of the P&O specific PE training, as evidenced by the evaluation of the pilot training. The main benefits to the revised training were improved awareness of resources for Practice Educators, clearer signposting of support for students, increased relevance of case studies. In addition, the collaboration benefited the HEI in providing a greater understanding of some of the challenges faced by PEs. In addition, Practice Educators gained valuable insights into the HEI’s decision-making and considerations when providing PE training. Both parties reflected that the collaboration has been beneficial, with practice educators reporting increased engagement and interest in PE, and the HEI valuing the role of PEs, beyond supporting students. This project has resulted in improved relationships and communication for those involved, and was a worthwhile process, which we would recommend to others involved in PE training.

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