Expanding student learning using patient pathways

The term 'placement pathway' is defined and the use of these pathways is discussed to demonstrate ways in which students can gain a wider understanding of the care of the patient throughout their stay and still achieve competence.

Abstract

This article examines the first stages of a project to address problems in the quality of students' clinical experience after consultation with senior nurses at a large district general hospital. The term 'placement pathway' is defined and the use of these pathways is discussed. Several examples are given to demonstrate ways in which students can gain a wider understanding of the care of the patient throughout their stay and still achieve competence.