Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted clinical placements, not just in the United States, but globally. A Call to Action is proposed to consider the 2:1 model of fieldwork as a viable solution to combat the potential fieldwork crisis that is looming on the horizon. The 2:1 model pairs two students for each fieldwork educator. Although the efficacy of this model has already been proven through prior research, a standardized framework is lacking for implementing the use of the 2:1 model. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of fieldwork educators and students on the successful factors of the 2 to 1 model in clinical education. A survey study was completed with occupational and physical therapy students (N=10) who participated in the 2:1 model of fieldwork. Results showed the students perceived the 2:1 model to be an effective model of clinical supervision. Communication, not individual time spent with the student, was what students reported as the most important factor to the effectiveness of the model. Limitations of the study include a small sample size and lack of validation of the survey tool. Future research on the perspectives of the fieldwork educators is recommended.

Keywords: Clinical instructor; Clinical supervision; Clinical placements; Fieldwork; Models of fieldwork