Organisation(s)

AECC University MSc Speech and Language Therapy Teaching Team

Trialled a quality improvement placement with a 1st year MSc Speech and Language Therapy student

Summary of placement

A paediatric speech and language therapy service were keen to explore having the student complete a quality improvement project whilst on placement with them. The student had three days a week traditional clinical placement and 1 day a week working on a quality improvement project – exploring what parents would like to know before attending their child’s first SLT appointment. The student worked with both the SLT team and the Trust’s QI team to co-produce a video explaining to parents what happens in their first SLT appointment.

Benefits

  • Successful clinical placement – achieved all clinical capabilities alongside completing the QI project

  • Students identified how working on the QI project enhanced their interpersonal and leadership skills

  • The creation of a useful and meaningful resource for the SLT team and their clients

Challenges

  • Student had less time for achieving clinical skills (not an issue in this case but would be with a student who needs more support/time)

  • Having two supervisors with busy diaries was difficult at times. The rest of the team were brilliant in supporting supervisors and letting student join in on their sessions during these times

  • Project work can be perceived as less important or valuable than clinical work

Advice you'd give to others

  • Match the student to the placement carefully – not all students will benefit from this type of placement

  • Ensure the clinical team has a suitable and meaningful project

  • Utilise support from the provider’s QI team if possible