The aim of this project is to have paramedic students across all years, undertake placements in a diverse range of the South West’s community care services, including social care and primary care. Paramedic students will participate in multi-professional learning teams using a coaching model of learning, e.g., Collaborative Learning in Practice (CLIP).
The objectives of this project will be to scope, develop, and evaluate new and enhancing placements that have been piloted by University of Plymouth and UWE Bristol Students in collaboration with regional partners to include HEE SW Paramedic System Relationship managers, HEE Clinical Placement Lead and National Training and Education Lead for Paramedicine, South West HEIs, HEE AHP Faculties, SWASFT, Representatives from Devon’s community services.
Stacey Owen and Niamh McCabe started the project in Feb 2023 and so far worked in collaboration with 2 HEI’s and had 17students undertake placements in 8 new services, with 3 more services lined up to take 6 more paramedic students before the end of the project. Feedback from students has been really positive. One student undertook her placement at a CAMHS Inpatient Unit and she said “ On reflection and now I am back out on frontline placement, I definitely feel more confident when dealing with mental health patients and conditions and feel that I have gained a better understanding of pathways and treatments available. Since being back out on the road I have encountered various different mental health conditions and feel that my communication skills have improved, such as, what not to say and what to say to patients”.
For any questions or queries regarding this project or to hear what and how we have been doing this, please contact Stacey Owen on s.owen10@nhs.net or 07493730888