A Holistic Approach to the Clinical Education Matching Process Using Relational Coordination Theory
Purpose: The purpose of this workshop is to describe a novel clinical education matching approach that applies the dimensions of relational coordination theory and to contrast with traditional matching processes.
Methods and/or Description of Project: Based on feedback like the type discussed above, the clinical education faculty sought to change the philosophy and operational process surrounding how students are matched to clinical sites. Using relational coordination theory as a scaffold (i.e. shared goals, shared knowledge and mutual respect), data was collected from students including learning style and housing/transportation resources. Data was coupled with individual student meetings that provided a deeper interpretation of the data collected and to form closer relationships to provide better insight into what culture and fit will create the best learning opportunity. Data warehousing for student data and available site inventory was built for this process using SharePoint. Later in the matching cycle, these data were used to identify which students could potentially be matched to available sites as well as to strategically develop clinic sites in areas that are identified to be an area of need. Data sourced from midterm conferences and student reviews is housed an EValue database. This in conjunction with the data referenced above is utilized to provide information regarding the culture and fit of the clinic sites.
Results/Outcomes:
We will present mixed methods results from student assessments of their assigned DCE, student assessment of the overall clinical experience and clinical instructor/site coordinator of clinical education satisfaction of the overall experience. Prior to implementation of this new process, average student scores for the following survey questions were identified as needing improvement: