Co-production of Pre-clinical Simulation Based Education (SBE) from Diagnostic Radiography students’ Diaries of First Clinical Placement

A vital part of the education and training of Healthcare Professionals is hands-on clinical experience in a relevant department, typically called “clinical placement”. As part of their training Diagnostic Radiography (DRAD) students undertake placement in imaging departments throughout the duration of their course. In these departments Student Radiographers perform imaging and care procedures for real patients while under supervision and guidance of qualified staff. For many of these students, their first placement will be their first experience of a real clinical enviroment. While in placement they are expected to develop as a professional while applying their learning to grow into their chosen role. Students may find this enviroment unfamiliar and stressful and may struggle to maintain or achieve professional standards while integrating themselves in the department. The cultural shock of working clinically for the first time has also been identified as a factor that causes students to leave their courses before qualifying. By having students record what they perceive as significant events and experiences during their first placement via diary methods, we aim to identify any common themes can be used t reshape pre-clinical and clinical training to allow them to make better use of their limited placement time, as well as lessening student attrition and stress related to entering the clinical enviroment.