Evaluation of a university peer exercise and community activity placement (PECAP) model.

Mathers, Julie; Moran, Paul

Abstract

Gilligan (2014) indicates the most memorable learning occurs on placement, where students integrate and apply knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to real situations, facilitating re-scaffolding of knowledge and deep learning. Challenges in providing adequate, practice-based learning (PrBL) experiences were reported already prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has worsened the situation. This has led to the development of a university "Peer Exercise and Community Activity Placement" (PECAP) model, which has been supported by Scottish Government Funding. The aims of this research were: 1) To evaluate the effects of the PECAP model on student confidence; 2) To investigate student experiences of the PECAP model; 3) To explore alternative PrBL placement models. The PECAP model was designed to include community outreach, specialist projects (NHS Walking Programme) and student-led exercise groups, exposing students to core areas of practice while additionally developing clinical resources and attending "master classes", including simulation. Students were supervised by university PrBL lecturers. Students rated their confidence in core clinical competencies at the start and end of the placement, using a self-developed questionnaire with Likert scales. A separate survey about their experience was completed at the end of the placement. Between September 2021 and November 2022, 8 placements ran with a total of 63 students, usually 1:6 ratio for supervision, indicating this model is a cost-effective method for delivering high-quality placement learning experiences. Analysis of self-reported confidence indicates a 15% improvement across all domains. Students reported development of professional skills and a better understanding of managing a variety of projects, and benefiting from expert clinicians' feedback. PECAP increases confidence in physiotherapy students in core clinical competencies. This provides a model for developing and enabling physiotherapy students to attain clinical competence, confidence and transferable skills in a non-traditional setting. This initiative provides opportunity for the development of the wider skills required of clinicians and could be adapted across other healthcare professions.

Citation

MATHERS, J. and MORAN, P. 2023. Evaluation of a university peer exercise and community activity placement (PECAP) model. Presented at the 2023 International higher education teaching and learning annual conference (HETL 2023): re-imagining education: collaboration and compassion, 12-14 June 2023, Aberdeen, UK, poster P34.

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: 2023 International higher education teaching and learning annual conference (HETL 2023): re-imagining education: collaboration and compassion
• Start Date: Jun 12, 2023
• End Date: Jun 14, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jun 26, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 26, 2023
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: Physiotherapy students; Physiotherapy education; Student placements
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1997541