title: Implementing the 2:1 student placement model in occupational therapy: Strategies for practice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Health industry changes, including a growing demand for health professionals, have led to a greater need for clinical placements for occupational therapy and other health discipline students. As we develop programmes to accommodate larger numbers of student placements, there is a need to ensure that we understand the challenges and opportunities new models of supervision present and how any difficulties might be overcome. A large occupational therapy department in metropolitan Melbourne introduced a new 2:1 (two students to one supervisor) supervision model, moving away from the traditional 1:1 (one student to one supervisor) supervision model. This exploratory study examines supervisor experience in a trial of the new model.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study adopted a social constructivist theoretical perspective and an exploratory qualitative design. Data were collected in two focus groups involving eight supervisors; one focus group was held prior to implementation of the 2:1 supervision model, and one post. A thematic analysis approach was used to identify, analyse and report patterns within the data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 2:1 placement model presented challenges particularly in relation to ensuring a quality placement and managing two students while acknowledging there were also opportunities for peer learning. Supervisors developed a number of strategies to minimise difficulties and maximise benefits, including taking an evidence-based approach, being prepared, mobilising organisational support and being positive but also pragmatic.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 2:1 student placement model is likely to be a model of choice in the future. There are challenges and opportunities associated with its use. This study identifies these as well as strategies for maximising opportunities and mitigating challenges.
authors.affiliation: Occupational Therapy, Northern Health, Epping, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Price
authors.affiliation: La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Whiteside
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002982:Clinical Clerkship / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000193:education*; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling / Q000458:organization & administration*
keywords: clinical placements; fieldwork; organisational change; student supervision