Extended scope/Role Emerging

Extended Scope/Role Emerging Placements

Role emerging placements refer to practical learning where there is not an established AHP role in that area, therefore students work with professionals outside of their scope. Supervisions may be completed by these professionals alongside a long arm supervisor/professional of their domain.

The model requires a supervisor to be located at a distance to the clinical practice learning area, but is available for support for the placement student. This means that the long arm practice supervisor will not be with the student on a day-to-day basis so another named member of staff would act as an onsite* supervisor.

*Onsite supervisors' role involves overseeing the induction process, observe day to day performance and contribute to the assessment of student competencies (Marsden, 2022).

Benefits of extended scope/role emerging placements (Marsden, 2022):

Promotes AHP roles where there is not an established role.
Ensures AHPs are ready for dynamic working environments.
Promotes consideration of workplace issues such as inclusion, public health and leadership.
Encourages preparation for next generation of AHP's to be flexible and work outside certain service contexts.
Student and educator can experience interaction with different roles.
Gives students the opportunity to promote and market the profession.
Long arm supervisors (and their organisations) have reported an increased awareness of services in their local area, supporting their clients and enhancing multi-agency working.
On occasions can lead to role the employment of the AHP within the setting.
Promotes autonomy, business and leadership skills.

Beth Sidaway, Placement Lead and Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, explains extended scope placements within OT at SHU.

Our dietetics team here at Hallam complete extended scope placements and below are the formats they use during their 7 week programmes. Extended scope placements can be:

Face-to-Face, Online or Both

Completed in Pairs or Solo

Part-Time

Depending on your AHP department, this may differ.

Dietetics at Hallam offer extended scope placements with the following providers:

Sheffield Health & Social Care Trust
Roundabout
Cygnet Group
Sheffield Family Centres (Sheffield City Council)
Live Lighter
BCT Online/Sunlight Nutrition
Swim England
Sheffield Foyer

Challenges/Negatives

Although extended scope and role emerging placements can provide a positive experience for both students and educators, there are some potential risks that may decrease the positive outcomes of the placement.

They create a demand for a role that cannot be met with existing resources

There may be a lack of student support due to the reduction in supervision and contact time with educator
Students could infringe on others' roles
It may feel overwhelming and isolating (Cooper & Raine, 2009)

The student is having to carve out a role for themselves in a new environment (Fisher & Seven-Barden, 2002)
Some students feel as if they are missing out on clinical placement experience (Wood, 2005)
Can be non-clinical therefore students may not feel as if it is worthwhile.

Top Tips for Extended Scope/Role Emerging Placements:

Students

Keep an open mind and be flexible
Complete some research beforehand into extended scope/role emerging placements so you know what to expect
Be creative with your learning outcomes

You can make what you want of this placement and if theres something specific you wish to work on, let your supervisor know and they can try to help. You can gain a number of significant skills during a placement like this that you may not get a chance to develop within a clinical placement

Supervisors

Ensure you have recently attended supervisor training
Manage student expectations
Ensure you know which task/project you will be allocating to your student - ideally giving students a choice may increase motivation
Plan a meeting before placement with the relevant people to ensure everything is organised

TWAM Role Emerging OT Placement

This video was created by 2 OT students on their journey in facilitating the integration of arts and culture into healthcare settings. This presentation highlights the importance of arts and culture within health and wellbeing and supports the ideal of role emerging placements within AHPs.

For further information on how to set up Role Emerging placements please click HERE.

References:

Cooper, R., & Raine, R. (2009). Role emerging placements are an essential risk for the development of the occupational therapy profession: The debate. British Journal of Occupational Therapy,72(9), 416–418.

Fisher A, Savin-Baden M (2002b) Modernising fieldwork, part 2: realising the new agenda. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65(6), 275-82.

Marsden, D. (2022). Rapid Expansion of AHP Placements: webinar 2.

Wood, A. (2005). Student practice contexts: Changing face, changing place. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(8), 375–378.

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