As a line manager , I would not have been able to provide the occupational therapist with the same level of support and structure that the preceptorship programme has been able to give due to balancing service need pressures …”
As a line manager , I would not have been able to provide the occupational therapist with the same level of support and structure that the preceptorship programme has been able to give due to balancing service need pressures …”
of preceptorship programmes across the allied health professions .
During this period the programme has grown and evolved as it has established itself . The programme was reviewed after eight months by approaching preceptorship OTs and line managers for feedback using an evaluation form .
This resulted in amendments being made to the goal methodology approach , ensuring goals are motivational and consider personal and professional development whilst identifying strengths . Goals are now collaboratively agreed with the OT , their line manager and mentor as part of the review process and brought into alignment with Norfolk County Council ’ s professional development plan .
Other areas of change included restructuring the review forms to improve quality of feedback for the occupational therapist , including identification of strengths and development areas in addition to exposure to learning opportunities and how these link to the framework .
Following the work of HCPC , the use of language has been revised , for example moving away from using the term ‘ mentor ’ to instead using ‘ preceptor ’.
Monthly peer support sessions for preceptorship OTs were successfully trialled . With investment from them , these sessions have grown in strength , with OTs taking ownership , leading on different subjects of interest relevant to their own professional development , promoting shared learning and developing leadership skills .
This is a model that has since been shared and adopted by our social work colleagues in Norfolk County Council .
A positive response
Feedback has been received from preceptorship OTs who have completed the programme , in addition to their line managers and preceptors , regarding their experiences , including benefits and challenges of engaging in the preceptorship programme . This has been very positive .
One preceptee OT said : ‘ The preceptorship on offer at Norfolk County Council was one of the reasons I applied for a job within social care . As a newly qualified OT , with the effects of the pandemic on the teaching and placement experiences I had had , I felt I needed a wellstructured and supportive start to my career . The preceptorship has provided this brilliantly , giving me an excellent start to my career in social care .’
A line manager told us : ‘ As a line manager , I would not have been able to provide the occupational therapist with the same level of support and structure that the preceptorship programme has been able to give due to balancing service need pressures …’
While another individual told us : ‘ As a preceptor and assessor I have found working collaboratively with the occupational therapist and their line manager invaluable in ensuring we are providing the correct tailored support the individual requires , considering learning styles and needs .’
Since its launch in November 2021 , the council ’ s preceptorship programme continues to have a growing demand and has become an appealing factor for recruitment of staff . The preceptorship programme is continually evolving and the HCPC principles , once published , will further influence this .
The programme currently stands with two practice consultant occupational therapists assessing and supporting 16 OTs across the county , from a variety of different teams .
The role has been pivotal to delivering the programme and has enabled the occupational therapists to have a dedicated preceptor , separate from their line manager , who can facilitate reflective practice supervisions , complete direct observations , and provide quality feedback on their performance .
All of which has been well received by the Level 1 OTs and is supporting the development of a competent and confident occupational therapy workforce in Norfolk ’ s adult social care services .
Words EMMA TYRRELL ( she / her ) and ALISON EDWARDS , Practice Consultant Occupational Therapists , Norfolk Institute for Practice Excellence ( NIPE ), Adult Social Services . Email emma . tyrrell @ norfolk . gov . uk or alison . edwards @ norfolk . gov . uk
58 OTnews July 2023