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Pre-placement preparation

05

Information to know before hosting a placement

Included on this page:

  • Pre-placement contact
  • Support from HEIs or universities
  • Induction
  • Digital preparation
  • Students from universities outwith Scotland
  • Information required by HR

Pre-placement contact

Before placement, an MSTeams call or phonecall with a learner can be a great opportunity to meet them, discuss their needs and provide information about the placement. If a call is not possible, the above can be communicated via email.

In preparation you should consider what they need to know, including information about:

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Parking

Transport and accommodation

Changing facilities

Name and contact details of key practice educator(s)

Lunch or canteen options

Working hours

Model of placement delivery

Suggested / mandatory re-placement training or learning

Pre-placement contact can be an opportunity to discuss a learner’s needs (if they choose to disclose them). For example:

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Individual learning needs

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Accessibility needs

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Reasonable adjustments

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Access to digital equipment and confidence with digital skills

The Higher Education Institute (HEIs)/university will prepare learners for Practice-based Learning. Learners will complete Turas online essential learning and any mandatory training for the placement setting. Some HEIs use a learner passport to document training completed before placement which can be seen on request.

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Support from HEIs or universities

University staff are there to support practice educators delivering practice-based learning. You are welcome to contact HEI staff at any point during the placement for support and guidance.

Induction

A warm welcome for learners is an important foundation for a safe, supportive learning environment.

Induction supports the safety and wellbeing of the learner and should be completed as soon as possible. Example of an induction checklist can be found on TURAS Learn. Some HEIs also provide a learning contract to be agreed between learners and educators during induction which is reviewed throughout the placement.

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Key points to note during induction

  • Practice educators do not need to take emergency/next of kin contacts for learners as the HEI should be contacted in the case of an incident.
  • Learner photo ID should be checked:
    • The learner’s name and ID should match the name given by the HEI.
    • The photo should match the learner you see.
    • If there is a valid reason for their ID not matching their presentation, such as name change or trans identity, a learner may prefer for their ID to be checked in private.
    • Be sure to check the learner’s preferred name and which pronouns they use so that all students feel welcome.
  • Learners do not need to sign a confidentiality agreement if they are on placement in an NHS organisation or an organisation where the university holds a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with that organisation. The AHP PrBL partnership agreement between NHS health boards and HEIs cover confidentiality. Organisations who do not have MOUs or placement agreements with HEIs may wish student to sign a confidentiality agreement.
  • Wellbeing is vital to ensure learners get the most of their time on placement. The QMU Placement Wellbeing Toolkit is a resource to support learners before, during and after placement regardless of their HEI or profession. Signposting to this during induction may be helpful.  
  • All learners’ skin surveillance checks will be completed by the HEI. If a learner’s skin breaks down during the placement they should contact the HEI.
  • Learners can be signposted to the National Whistleblowing Guidance for AHP students in Scotland at the beginning of placement in case of any concerns.

Digital preparation

The model and method of PrBL will influence the digital needs of the service and the learner.

Aspects to consider before placement:

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IT access for learners: students may need logins for multiple clinical systems and digital platforms, (e.g. note-taking systems, NearMe) and local processes can take longer than expected. Consult local policy and arrange this ahead of time.

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Whether NearMe is required: guidance for placements can be found in Guidance for practiced-based learning placements using Near Me.

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Digital equipment available to the learner whilst on placement: government funded laptops may be available in each health board for learners to use. Please contact your local AHP practice education lead (PEL) for more information.

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Practice educator digital knowledge and skills (particularly if placement is remote or blended): practice educator digital educational sessions are available on TURAS Learn along with a checklist ahead of placement. This Sway provides information to support delivery of digital placements.
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Students from universities outwith Scotland

The AHP PrBL partnership agreement is in place between the majority of AHP programmes in universities in Scotland and NHS Scotland health boards. This agreement supports all governance arrangements required for PrBL.

There are often extra HR processes for learners from universities out with Scotland where there are not existing PrBL partnership agreements or other agreements with your service. Examples of this are; learners on elective placement from abroad, learners on placement from a university in England. Please get in touch with your HR department as soon as possible before the placement to find out what is needed. If you are within a health board, contact your AHP Practice Education Lead for additional guidance.

Information required by HR

Information that HR requires will vary between organisations, but may include:

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  • The learner’s personal details, e.g. name, address, contact number.
  • Three forms of ID.
  • PVG or equivalent.
  • Proof of visa.
  • Indemnity insurance.

Information to know before hosting a placement

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