Postgraduate Medical Ultrasound learner and practice educator perceptions and experiences of academy model clinical ultrasound training in Scotland

Introduction

The newly introduced National Ultrasound Training Programme within the NHS Scotland Academy provides an alternative clinical learning environment for postgraduate medical ultrasound learners. Learners during academic year 2022/23 were supported with up to five weeks of clinical education within the NHS Scotland Academy, as an alternative to their local Health Board. This study explores the perceptions and experiences of the first cohort of learners and their practice educators.

Methods

An interview guide was developed comprising questions to explore learners and practice educator experiences and perceptions of the National Ultrasound Training Programme. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted (Learners n = 5 and Practice Educators n = 5). Thematic analysis was performed by two independent researchers following an established six-stage process.

Results

Three themes emerged:1. Importance of the Clinical learning environment, 2. Relationships and 3. Skills and confidence. Organisational challenges within the NHS Health Boards pose barriers to Learners and Practice Educators supporting clinical education. Learners benefitted from both the clinical learning environments while practice educators recognise the advantage of alternative clinical education for their Learner and wider ultrasound services. Further collaboration to capitalise on knowledge exchange was identified for enhancement.

Conclusion

The NHS Scotland Academy can play a pivotal role in delivering learner-centred, protected clinical education as an adjunct to traditional models of practice education.

Implications for practice

Employers and Practice Educators must identify and acknowledge barriers to postgraduate medical ultrasound education. Protected learning time, recognising roles of Learners and Educators and a supportive clinical learning environment are paramount. Learner-centred best practice clinical education can be successfully delivered within the NHS Scotland academy as an adjunct to acute health board clinical education and adopting a collaborative approach will provide enhancements for stakeholders.