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Published (Version of record)CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open
Journal article
The Effect of Aged-Care Rural Clinical Placements on Health Student Self-Efficacy: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation
The Australian journal of rural health, Vol.33(4), pp.1-9
08/2025
PMID: 40772564
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of rural clinical placements on allied health students' perceived self-efficacy in service delivery, as part of a larger evaluation of facilitated student placements in Northern New South Wales residential aged-care homes.
Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed. Allied health students from a variety of universities undertook at least five-week clinical placements in two rural residential aged-care homes via a programme designed and coordinated by the University Centre for Rural Health in partnership with the Aged Care Residential facility. Quantitative data were collected using a modified Self-Efficacy in Clinical Performance Scale, pre and post-placement. Semi-structured interviews were conducted post-placement. Self-efficacy scores were compared using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test, and the effect size was calculated. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes from interview transcripts.
Results: Twenty-five students completed the surveys, and 12 interviews were included in this study. There was a statistically significant increase, post-placement compared to pre-placement, in total self-efficacy in clinical performance scores, as well as in subscale scores. The subscales related to assessment, diagnosis, and planning and implementation. Two themes were identified from the qualitative interviews: (1) heightened confidence, independence, and work readiness; and (2) confidence and enthusiasm for interprofessional work.
Conclusions: Our findings provide beginning evidence that a well-resourced and focused programme of clinical placements can improve allied health student self-efficacy and may stimulate greater enthusiasm for working in the rural aged-care sector.
Details
- Title
- The Effect of Aged-Care Rural Clinical Placements on Health Student Self-Efficacy: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation
- Creators
- Alizée McGregor - University Centre for Rural Health/University of Sydney (Australia, Lismore)Mohammad Hamiduzzaman - The University of SydneyVanette McLennan - The University of SydneySarah Miles - The University of SydneySarah Crook - The University of SydneyLewis Grove - The University of SydneyFrances Barraclough - Whiddon Residential Care (Australia, New South Wales)Jennie Hewitt - The University of SydneyGillian Nisbet - The University of SydneyKarn Nelson - Whiddon Residential Care (Australia, New South Wales)Marianne Wallis - Southern Cross UniversityNerida Volker - TAFE NSWVictoria Flood - University Centre for Rural Health/University of Sydney (Australia, Lismore)
- Publication Details
- The Australian journal of rural health, Vol.33(4), pp.1-9
- Publisher
- Wiley; HOBOKEN
- Grant note
- This work was supported by Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) Aged Care Expansion Grant.
- Identifiers
- 991013307025702368
- Copyright
- © 2025 The Author(s).
- Academic Unit
- Nursing; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article