Let’s collaborate…Staff and student experiences using an Interdisciplinary approach to student placements.
Catherine Carnegie1, Emma Woods, Melinda Ryan 1NSW Health – Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Port Kembla, NSW, Australia
Abstract
Background: An interdisciplinary team approach involves team members working collaboratively with a common purpose. Traditionally, Allied Health within Port Kembla Hospital didn’t have streamlined orientation or education for clinical placements which resulted in students and educators working in silos. The project was initiated to improve student and staff experiences whilst improving students depth of knowledge and understanding of team work.
Aim: To streamline student orientation processes within Allied Health at Port Kembla Hospital and foster a student interdisciplinary team approach to improve connection, holistic and patient-centred care.
Method: Two focus groups conducted at mid and end points of the interdisciplinary student placement will gain common themes around staff and student experiences. A survey conducted at will gain current and retrospective data on students self-confidence ratings.
Results: The focus group with students and educators had common themes of increased connection which resulted in improved student collaboration and feeling more comfortable asking questions across disciplines. Both groups reported that students demonstrated increased knowledge of other discipline roles and therefore treated patient’s holistically. Additionally, educators found they had additional protected time to prepare for student activities by sharing the orientation and multidisciplinary sessions. The student self-confidence rating has more than doubled with the average baseline score 2.7 compared to the post intervention score of 5.92.
Discussion: An interdisciplinary team approach to Allied Health Inpatient Rehabilitation student placements has enhanced the experience of student and student educators during a clinical placement. Further scope to formalise the in-services and a coordinator role should be explored.
Biography
Emma Woods is a certified Speech Pathologist with over 16years experience working in both paediatrics and adults locally and internationally. She has a passion for education and training and currently works as the Speech Pathology Educator within the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. She is a strong advocate of evidence based clinical management, service improvement and education and training.
Catherine Carnegie is a Team Leader at Port Kembla Hospital who has worked in rehabilitation for many years. She has a passion for patient centred care and training of staff to provide optimal healthcare to the patients within the service.