Allied health professions (AHP) learning site

Long arm supervision happens where supervision is provided by an experienced clinician who is not based at the same location as the student. Students are usually supervised by a senior member of staff within the host organisation and supported by a profession specific therapist who is locally based in health care, higher education, local authority or a voluntary organisation.  On a day to day basis appropriate staff withn the organisation, will provide informal day to day support and supervision. All those involved in the student placement will be invited to provide feedback to the Practice Educator as part of the overall assessment for the placement (at halfway and for the final report).

Long arm supervision is common within cross sector placements as described above however can also be used within NHS healthboard settings

Care Homes can be described as communities where people live, work and visit. 

Placements within care homes

• provide the opportunity for a broader clinical experience
• contribute significantly to building capacity and capability in the care sector and to the quality of care
• promote collaborative working.

A care home setting is seen as a positive learning environment which promotes a values based, person centred approach to learning. AHP students benefit from having placement opportunities within care home settings as this

• increases understanding of AHP roles and their potential contribution to the Care Home workforce.
• increases understanding of the difference between the clinical and social models of care.
• provides fresh perspectives e.g. students being able to see potential for rehabilitation support in residents that staff did not previously recognise
• develops enthusiasm of students for learning and being part of the care home
• allows students to spend time with residents and their families and talking with them 
• allows students to support  activities coordinators and other staff and students providing new ideas on working with the residents. 

In the integrated health and social care structure, third sector organisations are a key partner in the delivery of services.

It is important for workforce development that more AHP students have an opportunity to have a placement in one of these organisations as part of the range of experiences offered during their formal training. This enables them to have a greater understanding of the work of third sector organisations and the role their own profession can play there. 

These placements can take many forms and will have a range of agreed learning outcomes to be met.