Supporting a student with visual impairment in the intensive care unit

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Education
• Clinical Training
• Physiotherapy Programs

Background:

• Physiotherapy program at the University of the Western Cape has admitted students with visual impairments (VIs) since 1996.
• Historically, students with VIs have not had clinical rotations in high-care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences of stakeholders involved in placing a student with VI into an intensive care unit (ICU).

Main Methods:

• A case study approach was employed.
• Interviews were conducted with relevant stakeholders.
• Thematic analysis was used to analyze transcribed interviews.

Main Results:

• Initial anxiety among clinical staff was noted.
• Proactive discussions among stakeholders helped identify and plan solutions for potential problems.
• Challenges included staff attitudes and the clinical environment, requiring varying levels of resource investment.

Conclusions:

• Successful placement of students with VIs in ICUs is feasible with appropriate context and support.
• Continuous support structures are crucial throughout the placement process.
• Active involvement of all stakeholders, including students, clinical, and academic staff, is essential for effective planning.