COLLABORATION BETWEEN EDUCATION AND PRACTICE TO ENHANCE LEARNING THROUGH GROUP SUPERVISION DURING CLINICAL PLACEMENTS

Background: Policy changes in Norway demand closer collaboration between educational programmes and clinical institutions. Oslo University Hospital (OUS) is a major supplier of practice placements for Oslo and Akershus... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Policy changes in Norway demand closer collaboration between educational programmes and clinical institutions. Oslo University Hospital (OUS) is a major supplier of practice placements for Oslo and Akershus University College (HiOA). A survey of occupational therapy fieldwork supervisors and students revealed a need for greater teacher involvement to facilitate integration of theory in practice. A project was initiated to address this challenge.

Method:
A programme was designed that incorporated introduction days, seminars on evidence based practice and reflection groups related to central competency goals for students fieldwork. Students participated in three groups sessions led jointly by a fieldwork supervisor and a teacher from the OT programme. The programme was tried out during 6 placement periods over a two year period involving a total of 44 students.

Evaluation:
Joint supervision contributed to reducing the practice-theory divide. Reflection and dialogue in groups facilitated the application of theoretical concepts to students’ clinical experiences. Input from the fieldwork supervisor and the teacher demonstrated that both were engaged in the same discourse. Group supervision provided an arena for clarification and application of competency goals in relation to concrete practice experience. Fieldwork supervisors reported that group supervision contributed to quality assurance and support during the placement period.

Conclusion:
The program contributed to enhance the quality of practice placements and facilitate integration of theory in practice. Collaboration between teachers and practitioners in group supervison enhanced students learning.

Application to Education and /or practice:
Joint group supervision has now been implemented permanently for OT students at OUS.