BMC Medical Education (Aug 2024)

Student experiences in a novel interprofessional neurodevelopmental clinic: a qualitative study

  • Khari Garavelis,
  • Nicole Hayes,
  • Maree Maloney,
  • Karen Liddle,
  • Karen Moritz,
  • Matthew J. Gullo,
  • Tanya Rose,
  • Hannah Gullo,
  • Rebecca McMah,
  • Helen Heussler,
  • Natasha Reid

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05756-w
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 24, no. 1
pp. 1 – 11

Abstract

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Abstract Background Student-led clinics can provide low-cost speciality care and practical interprofessional education (IPE) opportunities. In Australia, there are currently limited speciality services available that provide neurodevelopmental assessments that consider fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) as one possible outcome. The aim of the current study was to understand student experiences in a novel interprofessional student-led clinic for children and adolescents with suspected or confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure. Method Seventeen allied health university students (11 occupational therapy; 6 psychology) participated in individual semi-structured interviews following completion of a 10-week clinic placement. Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken using NVivo12. Results Four main themes were generated: (1) Interprofessional practice a key for students’ development as future healthcare professionals; (2) Meaningful relationships and students’ belief they made a difference; (3) Novel challenges tested students’ capabilities on placement; and (4) Supervisor attitude and approach to learning supported student development. Conclusions The current study demonstrated that the interprofessional student-led neurodevelopmental clinic provided a valuable IPE opportunity for students.

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