BACKGROUND
University affiliated student-led healthcare services have emerged in response to challenges faced by universities in securing quality clinical placements for healthcare students. Evidence of the benefits and challenges of student-led healthcare services as service providers is also mounting. However, further investigation is needed to establish a consensus on the critical elements of clinical placement performance.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study is to gather information on elements of measurement and then develop consensus on which of those elements need to be included in a framework for evaluation of clinical placement performance within the context of student-led healthcare services.
METHODS
In a modified Delphi study, up to 30 experts will be recruited to a heterogeneous expert panel, with equal representation of allied health placement coordinators, placement supervisors and recent graduates. Expert opinion will be sought on measuring student learning outcomes, student experience and cost of clinical placement, and other areas of clinical placement performance that are considered important. Quantitative data that will be used to determine consensus, with ≥70% agreement required. Qualitative responses to open-ended questions from each round will be analysed using thematic analysis.
RESULTS
Data analysis is currently underway, and the results are expected to be submitted for publication in 2023.
CONCLUSIONS
The outcomes of this project will inform the development of a framework for the evaluation of clinical placement performance in allied health services.