Student-led community placement in physiotherapy

Service provision and the education of health professionals has diversified with the shift in health care focus to primary care. Current evidence, particularly in physiotherapy education, has identified shortfalls in practical experience and education provided in health promotion. To address this, practice placements in non-traditional settings have been recommended; however, limited evidence exists to guide this innovation. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring the challenges and facilitators of a community-based, student-led placement involving physiotherapy undergraduate students and community-based groups.

A qualitative descriptive approach was employed. Students (n = 7) and the service users and community facilitators (n = 12) who had engaged in this placement model were invited to participate in focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

Two themes were identified: collaborative learning and embracing change. The acquisition of professional skills, such as leadership, teamwork and adaptability, was perceived to be greater than on traditional placements. Students, service users and community facilitators experienced mutual learning benefits, but also identified challenges with the placement model. These insights informed opinion regarding the sustainability of the model.

Student-led community-based placements appear to impact positively on the well-being of community service users. Mutual benefits were acknowledged by all stakeholders. This evaluation highlighted issues related to sustainability, and the need for a balanced representation of student and service user needs. Areas for development were identified, providing an optimistic outlook for the feasibility of this model and its transferability to other health professions. Health professional services have diversified, in both social and health contexts, with a shift in focus from the treatment of ill health to health promotion.