Students’ perspectives of using the hub and spoke model to support and develop learning in practice

The acquisition of competence in learning is dependent on a number of variables. Students need to feel a sense of security in the practice learning area to be able to fully develop the skills required. Hub and Spoke is one model for practice learning that has been integrated in Edinburgh Napier University undergraduate nursing programme since 2011. It relates to enhancing the quality of practice learning by improving the student experience of security and belongingness in the practice environment. Rather than focusing on the benefits of the model, this study explores the characteristics of the Hub and Spoke model that supports students learning, to develop a deep understanding of a person centred approach to care. The study involved nursing students from two different fields of practice and employed a mixed methods approach, using a combination of focus group activity and an adapted questionnaire based upon the principles of Belongingness and the SENSES Framework. These principles were selected to capture the lived experience of the student undertaking these Spoke experiences. Focus group themes emerged as 'Learning for student value', 'Connections' and 'Organisation'