Exploring the Costs and Benefits Drivers of Clinical Education

Abstract

Abstract Objective. This study was designed to identify monetary and nonmonetary costs and benefits, as well as their drivers, to assist persons in clinical sites who are implementing clinical education to minimize costs and maximize benefits. Method. Qualitative research methodology involved students, student supervisors, administrators, and patients in a hermeneutic dialectic process of identifying costs and benefits of Level II fieldwork in three clinical sites. Results. Different costs and benefits were identified by the different groups of respondents. Drivers, or causes, of these costs and benefits reflected unique environmental factors in each site of data collection as well as common factors across the sites. Conclusion. Clinical education may be enhanced and stress reduced for all persons involved in clinical education through improved communication, structure, education, and support.