Clinical education in Saskatchewan: a needs assessment

Clinical education or fieldwork requires a collaborative relationship and coordinated effort between the university and the clinic. Although the literature notes the increased recognition and responsibility given to clinicians as a teaching resource, minimal attention has been given to describing the clinical educator's perspective or in preparing clinicians for the role of educator. The purpose of this study was to explore the support and educational needs of Saskatchewan occupational therapists as they related to providing clinical education. Focus group interviews were conducted with 70% participation of the practicing registered occupational therapists in Saskatchewan. Emerging themes related to the participants (needs and responsibilities of the student, the clinical educator, the facility and the university), the process (positive and negative elements of communication, placement coordination and student evaluation), and the environment (clinical education models, length and number of placements). Recommendations were made for enhancing the clinical education experience in Saskatchewan.