Alexia
Preceptorship. Story of a newly-qualified podiatrist
Case study
Alexia: Preceptorship. Story of a newly-qualified podiatrist
Alexia joined the Oxleas AHP Preceptorship Programme in her first month of practice saying she "felt reassured as there was a support system in place right from the start". She went on to say: "It has been really nice to meet monthly with other clinicians who are from different scopes and who are in a similar stage of their career to me. I have felt really supported, especially during this difficult time with COVID-19".
As well as peer support, Alexia said that the portfolio provided her with a clear structure: "I enjoyed the portfolio as it provided me with structure and direction. I had to actively think about competencies when doing my clinical work, for example, barriers with communication." Alexia also appreciated how the portfolio gave her "allocated time to reflect, as at times the work environment can feel fast-paced with clinical pressures".
As part of the programme, she also completed a Masters module to gain 20 Masters credits for the completion of her portfolio. "I have always wanted to go on to do a Masters, so this was a great opportunity for me. It gave me a more in-depth understanding of my clinical reasoning". Alexia went on to describe how she felt the portfolio and accreditation assisted in helping heal a chronic ulcer. "My patient had suffered from chronic ulceration for 10+ years and I felt as if I had tried everything. By completing the professional competencies in the portfolio I used an evidence-based approach to my critical thinking for their care plan. I made a few adaptations tailored to the patient which made a huge impact. The patient went onto heal and remains healed to this day".
Hear from Alexia in her own words in this video testimonial:
Preceptorship aims to consolidate learning from university by applying competencies to real life settings as an accountable clinician, building professional identity, and improving confidence and resilience to make for better-quality patient care and job satisfaction.
Oxleas is offering the programme nationally to all NHS Trusts, local authorities, and private practitioners to purchase. Contact the AHP Preceptorship Team at oxl-tr.ahp.preceptorship@nhs.net.