Level 1 looking at internal solutions

Level 1 trigger, actions and solution-focused approaches

Trigger

An unexpected issue that could impact a student placement.

Examples include:

• unexpected staff shortages or changes within the placement setting or site.
• student unable to undertake placement due to health and well-being issues.

Actions

Risk of agreed placement cancellation identified

Practice educators/practice education providers:

• Work through the escalation process.
• Inform placement coordinator/line manager.
• Inform HEI of risk to placement

HEI's

• Contact the placement provider explaining (as appropriate) the potential risk to placement as soon as possible.

Consider solutions

Practice educators/practice education providers consider the following potential solutions and approaches:

• Team approach - Can another practice educator within the team or service take the lead with the student/s?
• Can supervision responsibilities be shared within the team or service?
• Can the placement be shared with another team, service within the organisation?
• Can the placement be shared with a partner organisation?
• Can the placement be a Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) experience supported by another practice educator?
• Is there an opportunity for interprofessional learning with another profession in the organisation where a practice educator within that profession can support the student/s?
• Could use of different models of placements or methods of delivery facilitate the placement to go ahead?
• Could the student/s placement hours be altered or adapted?

HEI consider the following potential solutions/ approaches.

• Discussions with Practice Education Providers to
  • establish if it is appropriate for the placement be moved to a different time within the academic year within the team/service or organisation?
  • consider if different model or method of delivery of the placement could minimise risk of cancellation and support student requirements.

Example Scenario

Placement offered in NHS Changed to different setting

“A placement was agreed to be provided within our team as part of local authority OT service, however, due to unexpected personal events I was no longer able to support the student on placement.   Following discussions within our team, the placement was able to continue with an informed level practice educator colleague supported by a skilled level practice educator facilitating the placement.  The HEI then accepted this placement.” This was not a cancellation but recorded as a placement within my organisation.