A role emerging placement is in a setting that does not typically provide occupational therapy services. In this type of placement, the student is coordinated and supervised by an off-site OT who is not employed in the setting. OTs may supervise a student who is providing occupational therapy services in a role emerging placement. While the supervising OT is accountable for the occupational therapy services being delivered, the student can be assigned to an on-site supervisor who is not an OT to address on-site concerns.
Clinical vs. Non-Clinical
Placements can be categorized as clinical or non-clinical. A clinical placement is a placement where there is direct client contact. A non-clinical placement is a placement where there is no client contact. OTs need to consider how the standards of practice apply to a clinical or non-clinical role emerging placement.
Prior to accepting a student in a role emerging placement, the OT should determine the type of occupational therapy service that will be provided. For example, there may be higher risks associated with students providing direct service to clients where there has been no pre-established OT role, than a non-clinical placement where there is no direct client interaction.
The OT agreeing to supervise a student in a clinical role emerging placement must assess the level of risk to clients and the amount of supervision that can reasonably be provided. Important issues to consider include safety, record keeping, and consent. The supervising OT should clarify these issues through discussion with the student, site supervisor, educational institution and the organization where the emerging role placement will occur.
Standard 10
The OT, when supervising a student occupational therapist in a role emerging placement, will collaborate with the placement site, student, and educational institution to ensure there is appropriate accountability for the delivery of safe, effective, and ethical occupational therapy.
Performance Indicators
10.1
Consider the following factors:
- Their own knowledge, skill and experience in supervising students;
- Their own knowledge, skill and experience in the area of practice of the role emerging placement;
- Their level of comfort and ability to adapt to the less structured nature of supervision in a role emerging placement;
- Their comfort with the potential risks related to supervising students while not being on-site;
- Their ability to communicate with students and other disciplines and professions from a distance;
10.2
Meet with the student and on-site supervisor at the beginning of the placement to outline appropriate roles and expectations for the student within the occupational therapy scope of practice;
10.3
Identify how consent will be obtained if the OT is not on-site;
10.4
Develop a communication and supervision plan with the student including any on-site supervisors;
10.5
Identify who will manage the clinical records and personal health information generated by the student, as necessary, for the required retention period;
10.6
Determine a plan to co-sign student documentation or record keeping where client service has been provided;
10.7
Consider the student’s skills and confidence when determining the level and amount of supervision required;
10.8
Develop a plan with the on-site supervisor to address emergency situations or issues of safety involving the student and provide a secondary contact in the event that the off-site OT supervisor is not available.