At NHS Ayrshire & Arran we provide practice placements for students at all stages of the undergraduate BSc Orthotics programme. We strive to deliver a practice placement which meets your needs and the objectives of the University. As a service are signed up to the Quality Standards for Practice Learning (QSPL) [PDF] to provide a positive learning environment and support the development of Orthotic professionals to deliver safe and effective person centred care.
We offer placements within various in-patient, out-patient and community settings, these may include:
- Stroke
- Unscheduled care
- Neuromuscular rehab
- Orthopaedics
- Children and young people’s services
- High risk diabetic service
- Learning disabilities
Specialities may be based within any hospital setting within Ayrshire and Arran or in a community setting.
Induction
This usually takes place within the first 2 days of your placement and you will sign this off when completed. This should include identify personal learning outcomes and signing supervision agreement.
· General; Introduction to department staff, days/hours of work, contact telephone numbers; agree study time, IT access
· Orientation: staff room & access code; changing room & access code; location of dining room; location of shop / bank; tour department, office and location of equipment stores
· Learning Experience: learning agreement; feedback; mid placement assessment; library access; practical learning and learning styles.
· Policies & Procedures; absence, emergency; fire; accident; Infection Control health & safety; Standards
Teaching activities
The following teaching activities may be offered depending on individuals learning styles;
- Practice educator demonstrating assessment/treatment/practical activities on the patient/class group, giving explanation/discussion
- one to one discussion sessions between practice educator and student
- shadowing other staff-gaining different insight/slant
- internet searching for evidence-based practice/national guidelines
- observing other professions and writing reflective account
- private study and reflecting on learning
- performing measurement techniques including plaster casting and possible digital scanning.
- case studies/tutorials
- attending in-service training
Learning opportunities
Learning opportunities vary with speciality, some of these may include;
- supervised and guided assessment and treatment of many different patient groups
- attending clinics
- shadowing other health professionals
- peer supported learning sessions
- being part of the multi-disciplinary team
- attending wards
- uni and multi-disciplinary team meetings
- participation in and delivery of assessment
- critical appraisal of literature
- time available for reflective activities or self-directed learning
- awareness of department routine/processes and managing clinical caseload
Students are advised to complete the suggested pre-placement reading which will be sent by your placement educator.