Article

Fieldwork education is a vital component of
training the next generation of CHTs. Barriers and solutions to fieldwork
rotations in hand therapy are examined, as well as proposed solutions, including
recommendations for student preparation. This descriptive
study examined barriers for certified hand therapist clinicians to accept
students for clinical rotations and clinicians' preferences for student
preparation before a rotation in a hand setting. METHODS: A survey was developed,
peer reviewed, and distributed using the electronic mailing list of the Hand
Therapy Certification Commission via SurveyMonkey. Aggregate responses were
analyzed to identify trends including barriers to student clinical rotations and
recommendations for students to prepare for hand rotations. RESULTS: A total of
2080 participants responded to the survey, representing a 37% response rate.
Common logistical barriers were identified for accepting students such as limited
clinical time and space. Many clinicians (32% agree and 8% strongly agree) also
felt that the students lack the clinical knowledge to be successful. Areas of
knowledge, skill set, and experience were surveyed for development before a
clinical rotation in a hand setting. Most respondents (74%) reported increased
likelihood of accepting a student with the recommended preparation. Novel
qualitative responses to improve clinical experiences are presented as well.
DISCUSSION: Student preparation before a clinical rotation in a hand setting
appears to be a significant barrier based on the survey results. Areas of
recommended knowledge, skill set, and experience may serve to guide both formal
and informal methods of student preparation before a hand-specific clinical
rotation to facilitate knowledge translation from experienced certified hand
therapists to the next generation. CONCLUSION: Although logistical barriers may
be difficult to overcome, hand-specific preparation based on clinician'
recommendations may facilitate student acceptance and success in hand specialty
clinical rotations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.
CI - Copyright (c) 2017 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights
reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS