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Introduction

01

This handbook provides key information for Allied Health Professional (AHP) teams, practice educators and placement coordinators providing Practice-Based Learning (PrBL) in Scotland. In AHP teams, practice-based learning refers to student placements.

Practice-based learning is essential in an AHP’s journey to qualification. Delivering PrBL experiences should be part of every registered and non-registered AHP’s role and career journey. PrBL is where learners apply and consolidate learning — combining academic theory and workplace practice to develop skills and competencies needed to register across the 4 pillars of practice. This can be done in any model or method of PrBL.

Practice-based learning is critical to the sustainability of AHP workforces in health and social care services and is a local and national priority. It is an opportunity to collaborate with Higher Education Institutes to help shape the future of AHPs and providing PrBL supports AHPs' Continuing Professional Development.

PrBL is within the Facilitating Learning Pillar of the Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals (NMAHP) Development Framework and embedding PrBL as a core element of everyone’s practice follows the recommendations of the Scottish Government Allied Health Professions Education and Workforce Policy Review (2023). This handbook supports the delivery of PrBL nationwide and is divided into 4 sections — Readiness for PrBL, Additional Preparation, PrBL Delivery, and Quality and Governance.

National Drivers

Scottish Practice-Based Learning Consensus Statements

There are four Practice-Based Learning consensus statements in Scotland:

  • All AHPs have a responsibility to support practice-based learning — regardless of their grade, occupational role, practice setting or specialism.
  • Practice-based learning can occur in any environment, setting or specialism.
  • A wide range of student supervision models can be used to deliver, and support practice-based learning.
  • Resources to support practice-based learning must be embedded in service plans and our infrastructure to meet the needs of everyone involved.

AHP Principles of PrBL

In 2023 10 AHP Professional Bodies came together to develop and publish the co-badged AHP Principles of Practice-Based Learning. These seven principles emphasise the need to work together to better shape and support provision of PrBL for the future AHP workforce.
AHP Principles of Practice-Based Learning: 1. Practice-based learning opportunities are co-produced; 2. Practice-based learning takes place across all areas, pillars and levels of practice; 3. Practice-based learning environments must be inclusive and welcoming to all; 4. Practice-based learning is flexible, appropriate and supportive models of supervision and delivery; 5. Practice-based learning is designed with a whole team approach; 6. All those involved in practice education feel valued, respected and recognised within their roles; 7. Practice-based learning is evaluated; capturing data to drive improvement and demonstrate impact.

 

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