Is there a need for placement evaluations for specialist practice students? A proposal

This paper outlines a recent proposal justifying the initiation of standardised placement evaluations across specialist community public health nursing and specialist community nursing students while they undertake their educational programme. Within one approved education institute (AEI) it was identified that there was no standardised tool currently being used across the West Midlands, making the process of quality assurance extremely difficult. A clear rationale is provided for the use of such a tool, including supporting evidence from professional, statutory and regulatory bodies, health and education policies and quality assurance agencies. Placement evaluations are critical to students' learning, ensuring a safe and conducive environment, while providing a continuous cyclical process in conjunction with educational audits to allow the opportunity of regular assessment of the learning environment conforming to the Nursing Midwifery Council's risk-based approach. In light of the recent recommendations from the Francis report, it is pivotal that organisations such as the NHS and AEIs engage proactively together, fostering an open and transparent relationship to ensure standards of care are of the highest quality. Aspects of leadership theory are also discussed to enable the planned change to be successful.University of Wolverhampto