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Delivering pre-registration practice-based learning - alternative models

Creativity within practice-based learning is key to developing sustainable, quality placements. The COVID-19 pandemic has while greatly impacting on learners taking part on practice placements and accruing the 1,000 hours required to qualify, has driven further innovation in this area.

We need to think creatively beyond the ‘traditional’ 1-1 placement experience to enable learners to gain the experience they need to complete their studies and register to practice as occupational therapists..

RCOT is calling on all practitioners, service managers and departmental leads to collaborate with universities and explore what can be done to support learners to access practice placements.

Here are some alternative placement models that you can draw inspiration:

Virtual model for practice-based learning

  • Students learn and meet their practice-based learning (PBL) requirements in an entirely virtual environment.
  • Students observe video/phone consultations with patients which allow them to experience the full process of working with patients from beginning to end and to develop their skills delivering evidence-based interventions remotely.
  • The online platform allows multiple students to take part and collaborate and support each other with their learning.
  • Find out more in our overview of the model and a presentation by the model creator, Matthew Wyatt at Connect Health.

Peer Enhanced e-Placement (PEEP) model

  • A virtual alternative to face-to-face placements using the Blackbird learning environment and mix of group and individual work.
  • Students take responsibility for a virtual caseload and conduct interviews with ‘patients’.
  • Students work through the occupational therapy process using their professional reasoning and complete guided reflections in their handbooks.

Find out more about PEEP in the July 2020 issue of OTnews (pages 39-41) and on the Health Education England website. 

Telehealth placement model

  • Students at Leeds Beckett University successfully completed Role Emerging Placements during COVID-19 after they were transformed into virtual placements.
  • Placements were carried out in different settings using telephone and video calls, with students designing and delivering virtual interventions.

Find out more on the Leeds Beckett University website.

Near Peer practice placement model

  • The Near Peer model pairs more experienced students with less experienced students to provide learning and support for each other through ongoing interactions.
  • Junior students join the senior students on practice placements. Senior students provide role modelling and reinforce learnings for junior students.
  • Watch the RCOT webinar about the case study of the Near Peer model delivered by occupational therapists at University of Sydney, Westmead and Auburn Hospitals and Liverpool Hospital in Australia.

Find more information in the accompanying webinar presentation.

  • RCOT webinar July 2020 - Near Peer practice placement model (PowerPoint)