A critical evaluation of student radiographers' experience of the transition from the classroom to their first clinical placement

Introduction: Students studying for qualifications which enable them to apply for registration as health care professionals are expected to undertake a large amount of clinical placement to support their learning. The BSc Hons Diagnostic Radiography at one post-1992 UK University is no exception. It was identified in a previous study by this researcher that a relatively large number of first year student radiographers were unsure, or nervous, about some aspects of the transition to their first clinical placement. It was felt that further investigation into the student experience of the transition to the first clinical placement was warranted. Methodology: A mixed-methods survey approach was used to elicit quantitative and qualitative data from current radiography students, academic staff and clinical staff about student experience of the transition to the first clinical placement. Results: In general, most students enjoyed their first clinical placement, and the opportunity to put theory into practice. However, three key themes emerged from the data that caused students difficulty in the first clinical placement; working with clinical staff, working with very ill patients, and moving around the department each week. Key Conclusions: This study has identified that some aspects of the transition into the first clinical placement need to be improved. Recommendations have been made for curriculum development in the academic block prior to the first clinical placement, and to improve student support during clinical placement. The implementation of these recommendations is crucial to reduce the dissonance between theory and practice, and improve student experience of the transition to the first clinical placement. (C) 2014 The College of Radiographers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.