AHP cross sector placements

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These placements can occur in different sectors

  • care sectors
  • third sector
  • independent sector
  • private sector

Settings these placements or PrBL opportunities could take place in but not exclusive to include

  • care at home
  • care homes
  • hospices
  • social care
  • social enterprises
  • charities

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

It is important for workforce development that more AHP students have an opportunity to have a placement in a different sector 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 cross 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.  

Cross sector placements includes all PrBL provision not covered by the existing NHS Scotland AHP PrBL partnership agreements which are signed between NHS Scotland healthboards and universities running AHP programmes.

Long arm supervision is common as part of this placement model but some organsiations have AHPs imbedded within their services who can provide supervision of students on placement

Follow this link to find out more about the benefits and opportunities cross sector placements bring to AHP students

Cross sector placement planning
Diagram of cross sector delivery framework
Long arm supervision

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

 

 

Examples of cross sector placement opportunities - care home and care sector placements

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. 
3rd sector placements

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.  

Occupational therapy example - PAMIS

PAMIS is a third sector organisation working in Scotland solely with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their families and carers. In 2015 they hosted student placements for two MSc occupational therapy students from Glasgow Caledonian University. This proved positive for both students and the organisation.

Occupational therapy example- Alzheimer's Scotland

Alzheimer Scotland worked with QMU,GCU and NES to deliver a Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) and observational placement. Learning outcomes achieved • Development of OT core skills • Experience of person centred care in action • Increased understanding of the possible roles for OTs out with more traditional settings • Greater knowledge of the role of the third sector • People's experience of dementia is individual and people with dementia can lead lively, enjoyable lives

Occupational therapy example - Paddleboard placement

Students from Napier University undertook a placement with Central Scotland Adventures, a social enterprise aiming to make paddleboarding accessible to all. This placement was a role emergent, project based PAL placement, supported by long arm uniprofessional supervisors. You can read the reflective blog written by the students below: