Teaching Students in Clinical Settings

As part of the pre-registration education for students who intend to enter health care work, periods of work experience are bullt into the curriculum. Students are placed in work settings, generally termed clinical settings, for specified periods, ranging from single days to extended periods of time. Ouring these placements the students are 'supervised' by qualified staff whose first responsibility is to the care of patients. It is therefore important that provi­ sion is made to support these clinicians in their role of teaching and super­ vising students. Initiatives have therefore been taken to enhance clinicians' knowledge and skills in the teaching process. The principles and procedures to be used in the supervision and teaching of students are generic in nature and therefore applicable to a number of fields. This book has been prepared for use by a wide range of professionals in health fields. There is particular attention to chiropody/podiatry, dietetics, occupational therapy, orthoptics, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and radiography, although the principles covered are also applicable to a wider spectrum of professions. The content draws on the experience of clinicians and teachers and will, it is hoped, help to disseminate the good practice which already exists.