Students' perceptions of a UK physiotherapy student-led clinic

Student-led clinics (SLCs) are a mode of delivery whereby students take responsibility for the delivery of a health service or intervention. SLCs for physiotherapy have a wide range of uses, including enhancement of learning, replacement of clinical placement hours and serving population and community needs. Evidence is emerging globally as to the outcomes of SLCs in physiotherapy, but little exists in the United Kingdom (UK) context. The purpose of this study was to explore student perceptions of running, leading and participating in a UK physiotherapy student-led neurological rehabilitation clinic.

A qualitative design using a focus group.

Four themes were identified relating to students' perceptions of SLCs associated with the learning environment, self-development, enhanced clinical skill development and reflections on experience at the SLC.

The findings of this study suggest that physiotherapy SLCs in a UK context can contribute positively to student experience and skill development, particularly in relation to the learning environment, development of clinical skills, leadership and autonomy. Some aspects related to, for example, student induction and preparation could be further developed. Further research should explore if these findings are applicable in other countries where SLCs are less established.

Further research in the UK and globally related to SLC models in different courses and across varying stages is required. Exploration of the SLC as a viable form of clinical placement experience is also warranted.