The School of Physical Therapy values the important clinical teaching work of physiotherapy preceptors in the delivery of a high quality clinical education program. Fostering and maintaining relationships between the School of Physical Therapy and all affiliated clinical sites and preceptors is a critical role of the clinical education unit, and involves a great deal of communication.
The Clinical Education Unit shall regularly and effectively communicate with Coordinators of Clinical sites, preceptors, and students and in order to establish, develop, obtain, maintain, coordinate and evaluate clinical placement experiences for physical therapy students in a range of diverse experience areas and settings (in Saskatchewan and beyond). In addition, the clinical education unit shall communicate regularly and effectively with faculty members and appropriate committees within the School, the University, and the community in order to share, promote and advance the clinical education component of the MPT program.
Establishing a New Clinical Site
Once a potential new site has been identified (either by the School of PT or by the site themselves) a discussion is initiated in regards to the responsibilities and expectations of clinical facilities. If the site wishes to proceed with taking students, then a site review process is initiated by the Clinical Education Unit. The School of Physical Therapy, University of Saskatchewan STUDENT PLACEMENT SITE PROFILE is completed by the site, and submitted to the School in advance of a site visit. The ACCE &/or Assistant ACCE generally makes an actual site visit in order to verify the contents of the site profile, and also to explain the clinical education program at the School of Physical Therapy and negotiate a fit with the program. On occasion, geographical distance prohibits a site visit, and this review is conducted via telephone. If the site is deemed acceptable, they are invited to sign an Affiliation Agreement with the University of Saskatchewan, and automatically become a member of the Clinical Education Advisory Committee. The School of Physical Therapy keeps a copy of the completed Site Profile and the signed Affiliation Agreement on file.
Developing capacity and preceptor skills at all clinical sites
The Clinical Education Unit offers training and support to all clinical instructors active in our program, including:
- Biannual Orientation Workshops for New and Refreshing Clinical Instructors offered in Regina and Saskatoon, and by videoconference
- Advanced Clinical Education workshops periodically
- Printed materials (workshop manuals, etc.)
- Website materials (course information, tips for preceptors, etc.)
- Telephone and email response by ACCE &/or Assistant ACCE to any inquiries or issues arising
Obtaining clinical placements to meet the requisite mix for all students
The Clinical Education Unit has a responsibility to ensure the requisite mix of clinical experience for all graduates from the School of Physical Therapy. Toward this end, the ACCE and Assistant ACCE are continuously evaluating the range of clinical experiences and settings in order to ensure that adequate numbers of all types of clinical placements are available. The clinical education unit is well connected in the clinical community, and follows up with new programs, units, managers, etc. to discuss any new or emerging clinical education opportunities.
Maintaining and supporting clinical sites
Most of the clinical sites in Saskatchewan have been active sites for many years, which is a testament to the strong relationship that exist. Our relationship with each clinical site is very important and we priorize communication with these sites as a critical function of our unit. Examples of regular communication include:
- Biannual Clinical Education Advisory Committee meetings, held in Regina and Saskatoon as well as via videoconference with minutes circulated to all members
- Newsletters and announcements
- Consultation and collaboration with clinical stakeholders via Discussion Papers, inviting input on Policy Development, etc.
- Promotion and circulation of important clinical education policies and procedures
- Invitation to provide feedback on development of clinical courses, sit on committees, etc.
Coordinating clinical placements
Physical therapy student clinical placement schedules are generally drawn up well in advance of the start date as “DRAFT ONE” and circulated to all clinical sites involved. The sites are invited to provide feedback on the first draft, in order to confirm the placement(s) being requested, or deny. Subsequent drafts are then circulated until a final draft of clinical placements is confirmed for any given clinical course.
Information packages for each student placement are circulated to all clinical sites approximately two weeks in advance of the placement start date. These packages normally include:
- The student name and dates of placement
- Proof of student professional liability insurance coverage through U of S
- Clinical course ‘Expectations’ document
- Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument (2 copies)
- Any additional relevant materials
Any communication from the clinical facility or preceptor regarding a student during a clinical placement is followed up immediately with a phone call by the ACCE &/or Assistant ACCE.
Upon conclusion of all clinical placements, the Clinical Education Unit ensures that all important documentation is completed by the clinical site and submitted as required to the School of Physical Therapy.
Evaluating Clinical Instructors and Clinical Placements
During the final week of each clinical placement, each student is strongly advised to complete an Evaluation of Clinical Instructor and Clinical Placement. This information is used by the Clinical Education Unit to help evaluate CI’s and placements, and (with consent) is shared with the clinical site involved.