Perceptions of Preceptors and Audiology Students on Practicum During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions of audiology students and preceptors regarding changes in the practicum as a result of COVID-19.

This study was conducted during two different periods, with Internet questionnaires posted on social media forums. Preceptors and newly graduated clinicians were recruited in 2019 for a study prior to COVID-19, and students and preceptors were recruited for comparison during COVID-19. Four groups participated in this study: (a) 101 students who were enrolled in the second, third, or fourth year of an Israeli communication disorders Bachelor of Arts (BA) program during the pandemic; (b) 94 newly graduated audiologists with a BA degree from an Israeli communication disorders program granted in the last 3 years (before COVID-19); (c) 18 audiologist preceptors who supervised audiology practicum in an Israeli communication disorders BA programs (before COVID-19); and (d) 20 audiologist preceptors who, during COVID-19, were supervising an audiology practicum in Israel. Perceptions of the various groups were compared.

Although perceptions of preceptors and students regarding the practicum were revealed to be similar, perceptions of the practicum before COVID-19 underwent changes in the course of the pandemic. In evaluating the COVID-19 experience, both preceptors and students agreed that more hours of practicum were needed, as well as more variety in types of cases and exposure to varied placements.

Academic programs and employers should consider implications of changes implemented in the practicum due to COVID-19, which can be addressed either in continuing education and/or by additional supervision in the future workplace.

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.19855639.