The Clinical Educators Expert Group

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The Clinical Educators Expert Group

• Theory Practice
• Stephanie Stanley Isle of Wight PCT
• Monica J Vaughan Portsmouth City (t) PCT

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The Clinical Educators Expert Group

• Is a strategic expert reference group from Heads
  of Service Managers group
• Now approximately 12 members / 8 Trusts
• Initially met monthly now x 4 yearly
• Representative from Managers Group

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The Clinical Educators Expert Group

• Role
• Improve communication
• Forge links with University
• Share experiences
• Support network
• Development of this model of Clinical Practice

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The Clinical Educators Expert Group

• Achievements
• Formation of core group
• Universal absence reporting gt clarity for
  students
• Forward planning
• Rough Guide
• Access to Blackboard online system

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The Clinical Educators Expert Group

• Rough Guide
• Available on Blackboard to all students
• Brings together several Trusts placement
  information
• Easy to insert / remove information
• Cost saving to Trusts

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Clinical Educators Expert Group
The Clinical Educators Expert Group (CEEG) was
initiated in 2006 and now consists of
approximately 12 members representing 8 different
Trusts, all responsible for supporting
Southampton University Podiatry students during
their practical placements. The Group met monthly
initially but since becoming better established,
aim to meet around 4 times per year unless
specific projects require additional input. The
group is currently chaired by Ruth Underwood,
Clinical Educator for Southampton City Primary
Care Trust (ruth.underwood_at_scpct.nhs.uk) but is
due to rotate to other members.

• Aims / Objectives for 2007
• Starting work on developing a checklist for
  placement sites to ensure best practice and
  quality placements for students in line with
  nursing audit tools.
• The Group is looking to develop the year 1 end of
  year clinical placement block to ensure students
  are more prepared for practice in year 2. This 3
  week programme will be devised by the group from
  a clinical perspective following University
  learning outcomes, utilizing the strengths
  offered by each Trust.
• It has been recognized by the group that there is
  no formal course or qualification for student
  education recognized by our Professional body as
  there is in OT PT (APPLE ACE) and this is an
  area we intend to work on over the coming year.

Achievements since inception in 2006 A Rough
Guide to Practical Placements. The rough guide
was the first achievement made by the group
during 2006. This document, available to
students on the blackboard online system, brings
together several placement guides from different
Trusts to produce 1 source of information
applicable to all Placement sites. The online
nature of this means greater cost effectiveness
for Trusts and means that information can be
added to or amended at any time and accessed by
students promptly. Improved communication CEEG
has encouraged better communication channels
between all parties. Placement supervisors now
have a place where they can voice concerns over
matters with students on placement and feel
supported. It has encouraged a more unified
approach to student placement embracing
differences between Trusts whilst encouraging
parity where possible. University representation
on this group means that there is a direct link
for both parties allowing a prompt conclusion to
any difficulties that arise. It has also improved
communication between the University and the
students during their placement. Universal
absence reporting procedure Student
non-attendance during clinical placements was a
real concern to all placements sites. As such
the development of a universal absence reporting
procedure has meant more clarity for students
during their placement to ensure correct
procedures are followed for absence and
sickness. Forward planning for placement site
opportunities. CEEG has allowed much earlier
planning with regard to student placement
opportunities. It has been possible to highlight
where placement shortages are likely to occur and
allowed for additional planning to absorb
students. It has also encouraged existing
placement supervisors to work with the University
to develop new placement opportunities. With
improved forward planning, information should be
more timely for students so that they can plan
their placement experience in advance and gain
the maximum from it.
Currently providing clinical placements within
your PCT? If you would like to come along to our
next Clinical Educators Expert Group meeting
please contact (ruth.underwood_at_scpct.nhs.uk).
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The Clinical Educators Expert Group

• Placement planning
• Has enabled earlier planning
• Able to identify potential problems
• Has encouraged development of new placement
  opportunities
• Students able to plan placement experience and
  thus gain maximum benefit

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The Clinical Educators Expert Group

• For the future
• Develop a checklist for placement sites to ensure
  best practice quality placements
• Look to develop the year 1 end of year clinical
  block to enable students to be more prepared for
  clinical practice in year 2
• To push for more recognition of the role of the
  clinical educator

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The Clinical Educators Expert Group

• Thank you!
• Questions