Supervision models in physiotherapy practice education: student and practice educator evaluations

Area of Science:

• Physiotherapy Education
• Clinical Supervision Models

Background:

• Physiotherapy practice placements are crucial for student development.
• Understanding supervision models and their impact on placement quality is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify current physiotherapy supervision models.
• To evaluate student and practice educator perceptions of placement quality.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study in Irish clinical physiotherapy sites.
• Questionnaire assessing 18 quality indicators and supervision model feasibility.
• Analysis of 112 responses from students and practice educators.

Main Results:

• The 1:1 (one student: one educator) model was most prevalent (75%).
• All models received generally positive evaluations, but students reported lower satisfaction with communication, feedback, and learning diversity.
• Educators rated productivity and resource efficiency less favorably.

Conclusions:

• The 1:1 model is standard, but alternative models (1:2, 2:1) are viable and positively evaluated.
• Addressing student-reported challenges can enhance placement quality.
• Placement providers can choose models aligning with service needs.