Comparison of novel hybrid and traditional physiotherapy clinical placement models: A pilot study.

This mixed-methods observational pilot study compared clinician-supervisor and student satisfaction (surveys and semi-structured interviews), and final placement scores for two different physiotherapy clinical placement models: hybrid (half-onsite, half-remote) and traditional (onsite). All supervisors and students involved were invited to participate; ten supervisors and seven students completed the survey, and nine supervisors and one student participated in interviews. Qualitative data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Students and supervisors reported similar levels of satisfaction for either model. Supervisors reported some reservations and higher workloads with the hybrid model. The interviews identified three themes for satisfying placements: it is structure, not location that matters; managing competing demands on clinician-supervisors; and learning requires psychologically safe relationships. Final scores for both placement models were comparable. This pilot study with a small sample found the hybrid model was acceptable and achieved comparable outcomes to the traditional model. Remote structured learning has potential to innovate and support sustainable clinical placements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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