Toward Standardization of the Placement Process Used in Full-Time Clinical Education Experiences: Findings and Recommendations of the Placement Process Task Force

Abstract

Background and Purpose. The Placement Process Task Force (PPTF), a combined effort of the Clinical Education Special Interest Group and the National Consortium of Clinical Educators, has developed recommendations for the placement process of students in full-time clinical education experiences following data collection from stakeholders. The PPTF submitted a report to both boards and highlights its methods and rationale for the recommendations here. Position and Rationale. To reduce variability and administrative burden shared among stakeholders, there should be a common definition of the process. Additionally, a common clinical calendar should be developed and adopted with accepted deadlines for placement requests, offer acceptance, offer release, student assignment, and onboarding requirements. Training should be required for new directors of clinical education (DCEs) and site coordinators of clinical education (SCCEs) to initiate them to the common calendar. Only the DCE/ACCE or employed members of the DCE/ACCE team should be responsible for securing clinical education placement offers. Adoption of these recommendations will allow progress toward the goal of reducing administrative burden with the potential of creating opportunities for DCEs and SCCEs to participate in the advancement of clinical education development and scholarship. Discussion and Conclusion. The current variability of placement processes commonly used in full-time clinical education has negative effects on SCCEs and clinics, DCEs and academic programs, and students. Reducing variability and administrative burden can result in additional productivity of stakeholders for tasks, such as clinical instructor development, student development, and clinical education research.