Sustaining a good model of practice education in challenging times

The Bacon Report (2001) recommended an increase in the numbers of occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech and language therapists in Ireland. As a result four new programmes were introduced in 2003. These new programmes, along with the existing programmes, resulted in a significant increase in placement requirements, against a backdrop of public service reform and a challenging economic environment. A National Steering Group for Practice Education was established to oversee the development and implementation of a national model of practice education. Three key principles underpinned the development and implementation of this model i.e., the use of an organisational development approach, promotion of an interprofessional approach, and innovative models for delivering practice education. First, the use of an organisational development approach involved key stakeholders in all aspects of the process, thus promoting ownership and collaborative problem-solving.Second, the use of an interprofessional approach promoted collaborative working and the achievement of quality outcomes within relatively short time-frames. Third, the exploration of innovative models of placement delivery has been helpful in relation to increasing placement capacity. As well as benefitting students, some of these models have been positive for patients. The learning from these experiences may be useful for other health and social care professions