In February 2007 the Primary Care Branch of Department of Human Services (DHS) conducted a forum to share successful models and ideas about clinical placements in CHS. The forum was attend by the Community Health Services (CHS) Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Primary Care Managers, teaching organisations and DHS staff, . A key aim of the forum was to identify options and priorities for future work to provide support in this area. One of the strongest stated needs was for practical assistance and resources to support the sector to better organise student placements and partnership arrangements between CHS and teaching organisations. The Victorian Healthcare Association (VHA) have developed a practical resource kit for CHS participating in student placements within their organisations through funding provided by DHS.
This kit has been developed as a practical resource to assist the organisation and management of student placements within CHS.
The increasing public expectations for community based services has lead to a corresponding increase in demand for a suitably trained and qualified community health workforce.
To improve the supply of suitably qualified staff for the community health workforce both the Victorian and Australian Governments are exploring options to provide additional training for health practitioners.
The Social Model of Health is a conceptual framework aimed at achieving improved health and wellbeing by addressing the social and environmental determinants of health, as well as the biological and medical influences.
The primary health sector works to improve the health and wellbeing of Victorians, particularly those with or at risk of poor health status. Primary health services help reduce the likelihood of serious illness and reduce the need for hospital and specialist medical services.
There are approximately 100 CHS in Victoria, operating from over 400 sites. CHS deliver a range of primary health care and support services to meet local community health needs.
Multidisciplinary care involves a series of professionals, not always working together or with a shared focus to provide a range of services to clients. Interdisciplinary teams work collaboratively and have a common focus in the delivery of care to clients.
Community Health is an exciting and stimulating work environment providing opportunities for practitioners from a diverse range of health disciplines.
The organisation and management of student placements requires planning and clear processes to facilitate successful placements within CHS.
Student placements require appropriate planning and organisation to enable students, health services and educational institutions to achieve positive outcomes
Effective student placements ensure that skilled and competent practitioners with the capacity to understand and operate within the social model of health framework are trained.
A positive placement experience enhances students' clinical and professional skills and is an opportunity to promote community health as an attractive career path for graduates.
Identifying existing barriers is necessary in order to develop effective models and processes to facilitate quality student placements in community health.
All stakeholders have responsibilities in the planning, organisation and management of student placements.
Agreed Learning Contracts are written statements describing placement objectives, expected learning outcomes, evaluation criteria and timeframes.
Effective and committed supervisors to support students are essential for successful student placements.
Maintaining a database for student placements is a useful tool for CHS to review and assist future planning.
Insurance is a key risk management strategy for organisations and there are insurance requirements for both educational institutions and CHS related to students undertaking placements.
A collaborative project between
