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  • Title: Factors influencing student decision-making for clinical site selection.
    Author: Gangaway JM, Stancanelli J.
    Journal: J Allied Health; 2007; 36(2):e124-41. PubMed ID: 19759987.
    Abstract:
    PURPOSE: Entry into the professions of physical and occupational therapy requires the development of clinical skills acquired during clinical education experiences. There are many factors students need to consider when selecting a clinical education site. The purpose of this study was to identify factors which students perceive as important when selecting clinical sites in relationship to factors considered important by the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education/Fieldwork Coordinator (ACCE/FWC). METHODS: A sample of convenience of 100 participants was recruited from the University of Hartford Physical and Occupational Therapy programs. A nine-item Likert scale survey designed to identify factors that may be important to students when selecting clinical sites was completed. DATA ANALYSIS: Mean scores for student responses across three clinical education sessions were calculated and paired sample t-tests were used to determine significant differences in importance level. RESULTS: Findings from this investigation determined that financial considerations, type of specialty offered by the facility, fulfilling program requirements, and reputation of the facility were found to be statistically more important than the student's personal abilities. Personal ability was seen as significantly more important than desire to travel, proximity to school, and free/low cost housing provided by the facility (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Students select clinical sites primarily based on financial considerations, specialty offered, and program requirements. As opposed to the ACCE/FWC, students did not place a high value on the importance of personal abilities when selecting clinical education sites. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this study may help students develop an appreciation of the multitude of factors that should be considered in site selection, guide the ACCE/FWC in advising students, and assist clinicians to better understand how students select clinical sites.
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