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Supervisor experiences of extended clinical placements in optometry: a mixed methods study
Jacqueline M Kirkman1, Sharon A Bentley2, Ryan J Wood-Bradley3
1Deakin Optometry, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Australia. jac.kirkman@deakin.edu.au.
BMC Medical Education
|December 9, 2022
Summary
Optometrist supervisors found extended clinical placements beneficial for student development and their own practice. Key challenges included time commitment and financial remuneration, though 26-week durations were deemed appropriate.
Area of Science:
- Optometry education
- Clinical training
- Healthcare professional development
Background:
- Traditional optometry clinical training in Australia involves short rotations.
- Increasing student numbers necessitate diverse placement models.
- Extended clinical placements offer an alternative, similar to medical longitudinal clerkships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore optometrist supervisors' experiences with extended clinical placements.
- To identify benefits and challenges of these placements.
- To compare views between rural and metropolitan supervisors.
Main Methods:
- Mixed methods study involving surveys and interviews with optometrist supervisors.
- Focus on benefits, challenges, duration, and willingness to supervise.
- Thematic analysis of interview transcripts using a qualitative descriptive approach.
Main Results:
- Supervisors reported enhanced reflective practice and critical appraisal.
- Extended placements fostered student immersion and stronger supervisor-student relationships.
- Willingness to supervise was not location-dependent; rural supervisors noted succession planning benefits.
Conclusions:
- Supervisors viewed extended clinical placements positively, finding them fulfilling and professionally beneficial.
- Lack of time and financial remuneration were primary concerns.
- A 26-week placement duration was considered appropriate by supervisors.
