STUDENT EDUCATION FEATURE
PEEP: a virtual
alternative placement
As a result of COVID-19 and the suspension of one-to-one placements,
the academic team at the University of East Anglia looked for a virtual
alternative. Dr Lisa Taylor explains
In response to the suspension of face-to-face
placements due to COVID-19, we developed a
virtual placement for our University of East Anglia
BSc second year occupational therapy students.
This virtual placement case study has recently
been published on the Health Education England
(HEE) website as an exemplar of virtual practice
placement delivery.
The peer enhanced e-placement (PEEP) was
based on the placement learning outcomes that
students are working towards at this stage of their
learning, and took account of the statutory and
professional body guidelines to be classed as a
practice based placement (RCOT 2020).
It was delivered via the virtual learning environment
Blackboard, which was already familiar to students
and academic staff.
PEEP summary
The first week of the PEEP introduced the students
to the placement experience process and paperwork
and the theoretical and professional knowledge
that they would need to work towards and fulfil the
placement learning outcomes.
Given the unique delivery model of the PEEP,
the induction week needed to be extensive, to
fully prepare the students for the PEEP model of
placement delivery.
The week specifically addressed all of the elements
of practice placements within the context of the PEEP.
Each week of the placement was a mix of faceto-face,
group and individual activities and tasks and/
or reflective sessions. The remainder of the PEEP
consisted of clinical case study weeks for students
to ‘virtually’ manage an authentic clinical caseload,
following the occupational therapy process.
Occupational therapy theory and practice were
integrated through practical activities and guided
written reflections and activities in their bespoke
placement electronic handbook.
OTnews July 2020 39