Reviewing the Action Plan | NHS Education for Scotland

Reviewing the Action Plan

Regular review means the educator and student continue to meet at agreed times. Discussion should be framed from the perspective of a strength-based approach. For example, first focusing on what is working, then focusing on what could be better or further improved. This approach will also help indicate whether the goals or actions are being met.

In the event of the action plan being successful, a level of realistic continued observation should be negotiated with the student for the duration of their time in practice. Ensure concerns are documented, as well as the strategies that were implemented to enable improvement.

What happens if there is no evidence of improvement?

If the outcome of an action plan does not evidence improvement to practice, educators will benefit from further discussion with education institution colleagues. The learner may have time in practice for an action plan to be extended, or it may be that failure of the placement leads to recommendations for performance in future placements. The aspect of the student not meeting the agreed Action Plan is explored further in Fair assessment and debriefing.

Illustrated diverse group of people including a nurse, student and AHPs standing together

Lack of achieving agreed goals or actions may indicate a Fitness to Practise issue. If this is the case, you must contact the student's education institution as a first point of contact for advice regarding next steps. Ensure timely discussion with the student. Document the concerns within the student’s education institution documentation.

Reference material

Failing securely: The processes and support which underpin English nurse mentors' assessment decisions regarding under-performing students.

Accessing this 2016 study by Hunt et al may be useful. The study investigated what enabled some mentors to fail underperforming students when it was recognised that many were hesitant to do so. The study presents a framework to explain how mentors formulate the decision to fail and the supportive structures which are necessary for this to occur.

Reviewing the Action Plan