Long Arm Supervision (LAS): Myths, Realities, Challenges, and Solutions

Myth 1: Learners miss out on clinical experience 

Reality

LAS placements focus on core, transferable skills—communication, assessment, planning, and reflection. Clinical exposure is creatively woven in, often offering richer, more varied service user interactions.

Challenges & Fixes: Feeling isolated?

→ Build peer support via virtual communities or buddy systems.

→ Add informal wellbeing check-ins.

→ Use reflective tools like “Two Stars and a Wish”.

Myth 2: LAS only works for final-year students

Reality

LAS is flexible and works for learners at any stage—with the right structure and support, early-stage learners can thrive too.

Challenges & Fixes: Setting the right level of challenge

→ Map learning outcomes to activities – use the assessment form to identify stage-appropriate skills.
→ Tailor tasks to stretch learners without overwhelming them.
→ Focus on foundation skills for early learners such as communication and underlying principals related to their profession such as movement, nutrition or occupation

→ Support advanced learners to explore autonomy and role development.

Myth 3: It's hard to assess learner progress 

Reality

Progress can be tracked effectively using reflective logs, structured supervision, and input from onsite staff.

Challenges & Fixes: Lack of direct observation 

→ Map learning outcomes to specific activities – Make expectations clear and measurable.

→ Use structured tools – Learning logs and weekly reflections help track development and encourage deeper thinking.

→ Involve onsite staff – Their observational feedback adds valuable insight and supports well-rounded assessment.

→ It’s the learner’s responsibility to evidence their progress – support them to take ownership of documenting their development.

Myth 4: LAS puts service users at risk

Reality

Learners are supported by both onsite staff and remote supervisors. Safety is ensured through clear boundaries, structured supervision, and teamwork.

Challenges & Fixes:

Unclear roles?
→ Provide written role summaries.
→ Use a “Who to contact for what” guide.
→ Clarify roles during induction.
→ Offer briefings and resources for risk assessments and assessments.
→ Share assessment criteria and feedback tools.

Myth 5: LAS is rigid or hard to implement

Reality

LAS is highly adaptable—ideal for hybrid, part-time, or non-traditional settings.

Challenges & Fixes:

Communication gaps?
→ Set a clear communication plan before the placement begins.
→ Use shared digital tools for updates and supervision notes.
→ Schedule regular three-way meetings to stay aligned.

Tech troubles?
→ Test digital tools in advance.
→ Have backup options (e.g. phone calls).
→ Provide basic tech support or platform guidance.

Feeling stuck or unsure?
→ Use the resources around you – HEIs, Practice Education Leads, and virtual communities are great sources of support.
→ Chances are someone else has faced the same challenge and found a solution – don’t reinvent the wheel!