Implementing a Virtual Care Clinical Placement for a Physiotherapy Student in a Hospital-Based Chronic Pain Programme

The aim of this case report was to determine the experiences and outcomes of implementing a part-time virtual care clinical placement for a physiotherapy student in a hospital-based chronic pain programme. Three participants were involved in this clinical placement: an entry-level physiotherapy student, a physiotherapy clinical instructor, and an academic coordinator of clinical education from a Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MScPT) programme. We implemented a part-time 40-hour virtual care clinical placement (10 h/wk for 4 wk) in a publicly funded chronic pain programme at Kingston Health Sciences Centre for an MScPT student from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. The student's performance was evaluated by the clinical instructor using learning goals and the Canadian Physiotherapy Assessment of Clinical Performance. The participants also provided reflections on their experiences in their respective roles. The student achieved the learning goals and demonstrated competency at the level required for a senior-level placement. Overall reflections on the virtual care clinical placement were positive, with a few key challenges. Novel clinical placement opportunities can help prepare physiotherapy students for emerging practice experiences. This case report provides insight into one such experience.