LM323 - Houston, We Have a Problem: Strategies to Manage a Challenging Student Clinical Placement

Abstract:
Preceptors in community placements are an integral part of the clinical education provided by academic programs. As such, developing strategies to encourage continued participation, recognize preceptor burnout, and effectively manage issues that may arise between clinical educators and student clinicians is imperative. As productivity demands on preceptors increase, and facility administrators focus on profitability, preceptors are faced with additional barriers that make their role as a clinical educator more challenging. This session will explore common issues that can occur in community placements, strategies for student preparation, and tools to develop strong communication between preceptors, student clinicians, and academic programs.

Summary:
Academic programs depend on their audiology colleagues in community facilities to assist with the clinical education of their doctoral students. As much as one-third of the student’s required clinical education experience is obtained in community placements. While minimal literature exists regarding the challenges that occur in these complex relationships, audiology placement/externship coordinators at academic programs recognize the necessity to build partnerships and provide support for clinical preceptors in community facilities.

Like any human relationship, issues may arise between student clinicians and audiology preceptors. Many, if not all of these issues can be avoided if a structure of support (SOS) is developed before the clinical rotation begins. This support structure begins with the development of strong communication channels between the program and preceptor, continues with ensuring there are shared expectations between all parties integral to the clinical education model, and requires the creation of a culture of feedback that helps prevent and manage any misunderstandings that may occur.

The clinical rotations throughout the academic program serve as “on-the-job training” for the audiology student and require them to consolidate knowledge learned in the classroom, develop, and solidify technical skills, and integrate information to become competent clinicians.

With an increased demand on audiologists for administrative and other tasks that extend beyond their clinical responsibilities, it’s critical that academic programs assist their clinical preceptors with developing methods to facilitate student learning, reduce the demands that serving as a preceptor may cause, and focus on the rewards these relationships can provide both personally and for the profession of audiology. This session will focus on tips and tools for developing a strong clinical education model, avoiding the dreaded phone call from a community preceptor that a disaster is imminent. The audience will be engaged in discussion regarding past precepting experiences and how to use or modify the tools and tips provided to best meet the need of individual student clinicians or their facility.

Brief Summary of Clinical Takeaways:
Attendees will develop strategies to assist students in preparation for community clinical rotations, and tools to develop strong communication between preceptors, student clinicians, and academic programs.