Supervisor experiences of extended clinical placements in optometry: a mixed methods study
Abstract Background In Australia, optometry students have traditionally undertaken their clinical training in short-block rotations at University-led teaching clinics in metropolitan locations. Demand for clinical placements is growing as the number of optometry students steadily increases. As such,...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2022-12-01
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| Series: | BMC Medical Education |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-022-03918-2 |
| _version_ | 1811188239430582272 |
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| author | Jacqueline M Kirkman Sharon A Bentley Ryan J Wood-Bradley Craig A Woods James A Armitage |
| author_facet | Jacqueline M Kirkman Sharon A Bentley Ryan J Wood-Bradley Craig A Woods James A Armitage |
| author_sort | Jacqueline M Kirkman |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background In Australia, optometry students have traditionally undertaken their clinical training in short-block rotations at University-led teaching clinics in metropolitan locations. Demand for clinical placements is growing as the number of optometry students steadily increases. As such, universities and clinical education providers must look for more diverse methods of student placement. Extended clinical placements in community-based settings are one alternative: a model similar to the longitudinal clerkships in medicine. This study aimed to explore the experience of extended clinical placements from the perspective of the optometrists who supervised students. It also sought to determine whether there were differences in views between metropolitan and rural practitioners. Methods This mixed methods study included a survey and interviews with optometrists who had previously supervised Deakin University optometry students on an extended 26-week (2 x 13-weeks) clinical placement. Lines of enquiry focused on; the benefits and challenges associated with extended placements; areas for improvement; duration of the placement; and willingness to supervise further students. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s 6 step method of thematic analysis with a qualitative descriptive approach. Results Supervisors felt that hosting a student prompted greater reflective practice and critical appraisal of clinical decisions. The extended nature of the placement was thought to foster greater immersion in the clinical setting and community for the students and establish a stronger relationship between supervisor and student. Supervisors recognised the importance of role-modelling and mentoring the next generation of optometrists however noted that taking on a student was a sizeable commitment. Willingness to host a student was not dependent on the supervisor’s location (rural vs metropolitan) p = 0.57. However, interviews uncovered motivations that were unique to supervisors residing in rural locations, such as succession planning. Conclusion Overall, supervisors were positive about the value of student extended clinical placement in optometry and felt that it was a fulfilling and professionally beneficial experience. Lack of time and financial remuneration were the key downsides highlighted. Schools of optometry might carefully consider engaging in discussion about the duration of such placements, but 26 weeks was considered appropriate by supervisors. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-11T14:16:13Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-de208a7a1390425eae8f8b8687b27566 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1472-6920 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-11T14:16:13Z |
| publishDate | 2022-12-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Medical Education |
| spelling | doaj.art-de208a7a1390425eae8f8b8687b275662022-12-22T04:19:25ZengBMCBMC Medical Education1472-69202022-12-0122111510.1186/s12909-022-03918-2Supervisor experiences of extended clinical placements in optometry: a mixed methods studyJacqueline M Kirkman0Sharon A Bentley1Ryan J Wood-Bradley2Craig A Woods3James A Armitage4Deakin Optometry, School of Medicine, Deakin UniversitySchool of Optometry and Vision Science, Queensland University of TechnologyDeakin Optometry, School of Medicine, Deakin UniversitySchool of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of New South WalesDeakin Optometry, School of Medicine, Deakin UniversityAbstract Background In Australia, optometry students have traditionally undertaken their clinical training in short-block rotations at University-led teaching clinics in metropolitan locations. Demand for clinical placements is growing as the number of optometry students steadily increases. As such, universities and clinical education providers must look for more diverse methods of student placement. Extended clinical placements in community-based settings are one alternative: a model similar to the longitudinal clerkships in medicine. This study aimed to explore the experience of extended clinical placements from the perspective of the optometrists who supervised students. It also sought to determine whether there were differences in views between metropolitan and rural practitioners. Methods This mixed methods study included a survey and interviews with optometrists who had previously supervised Deakin University optometry students on an extended 26-week (2 x 13-weeks) clinical placement. Lines of enquiry focused on; the benefits and challenges associated with extended placements; areas for improvement; duration of the placement; and willingness to supervise further students. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s 6 step method of thematic analysis with a qualitative descriptive approach. Results Supervisors felt that hosting a student prompted greater reflective practice and critical appraisal of clinical decisions. The extended nature of the placement was thought to foster greater immersion in the clinical setting and community for the students and establish a stronger relationship between supervisor and student. Supervisors recognised the importance of role-modelling and mentoring the next generation of optometrists however noted that taking on a student was a sizeable commitment. Willingness to host a student was not dependent on the supervisor’s location (rural vs metropolitan) p = 0.57. However, interviews uncovered motivations that were unique to supervisors residing in rural locations, such as succession planning. Conclusion Overall, supervisors were positive about the value of student extended clinical placement in optometry and felt that it was a fulfilling and professionally beneficial experience. Lack of time and financial remuneration were the key downsides highlighted. Schools of optometry might carefully consider engaging in discussion about the duration of such placements, but 26 weeks was considered appropriate by supervisors.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-022-03918-2Clinical placementsStudentsSupervisorsRuralEducation |
| spellingShingle | Jacqueline M Kirkman Sharon A Bentley Ryan J Wood-Bradley Craig A Woods James A Armitage Supervisor experiences of extended clinical placements in optometry: a mixed methods study BMC Medical Education Clinical placements Students Supervisors Rural Education |
| title | Supervisor experiences of extended clinical placements in optometry: a mixed methods study |
| title_full | Supervisor experiences of extended clinical placements in optometry: a mixed methods study |
| title_fullStr | Supervisor experiences of extended clinical placements in optometry: a mixed methods study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Supervisor experiences of extended clinical placements in optometry: a mixed methods study |
| title_short | Supervisor experiences of extended clinical placements in optometry: a mixed methods study |
| title_sort | supervisor experiences of extended clinical placements in optometry a mixed methods study |
| topic | Clinical placements Students Supervisors Rural Education |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-022-03918-2 |
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