Experiences of Physiotherapy Students, Health Care Providers, and Patients with a Role-Emerging Student Clinical Placement in an Emergency Department: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Purpose: To understand the experiences and perspectives of physiotherapy (PT) students, their clinical instructor, nurses, physicians, and patients with a role-emerging student clinical placement in an emergency department (ED) and to identify barriers and facilitators in implementing this placement model. Method: We conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with 6 PT students, 1 PT clinical instructor, 15 nurses, 12 physicians, and 17 patients. Five researchers independently coded the transcribed interviews and performed thematic analysis in an interpretive description tradition with frequent peer debriefing and reflexive discussions. Results: Students and their clinical instructor reported that the placement setting provided a unique learning opportunity. Patients and ED staff noted that involving the PT students in patient care delivery improved the musculoskeletal assessments and self-management advice provided to patients. Identified barriers included students’ inability to chart in the electronic medical record, lack of bed space, and lack of clarity about students’ scope and abilities. Reported facilitators included positive perceptions of the students’ supervision and a perceived positive impact on patient care and the health care team. Conclusions: Participants reported positive experiences with the student ED placement and recommended similar placements in the future. Understanding barriers and facilitators in implementing PT student clinical placements in an ED can inform future placements.