anna spencer dr fotina hardy qut school of public health and social work field education unit

CRICOS No. 00213Ja university for the worldrealR

Queensland University of Technology

CRICOS No. 00213J

Developing an online, accessible website resource for field educators – Social Work

Interactive Supervision Support (SWISS)

Anna Spencer Dr Fotina Hardy

QUT School of Public Health and Social Work Field Education Unit

This project was made possible through funding from Health Workforce Australia an

Australian Government Initiative


Background to SWISS

• Recognising the growing complexity and dynamic nature of the placement experience for students and supervisors.

• Need to respond to field educators feelings of isolation, embarrassment, lack of time, lack of confidence, need for information and frameworks for dealing with complex issues as part of their role of field educator.


Our response??

• Using interactive technology to create an online platform to facilitate access to an online resource and tools to support field educators in addressing the complexities involved in student supervision.


Project outcomes

• Provide a sustainable, meaningful, responsive and dynamic resource for field educators

• Develop a framework of ethical supervision decision making to assist supervisors in dealing with the complexities experienced as part of supervision.

• Develop a resource training tool of advanced supervision available to field educators through an accessible on line / blended learning resource.


Developing SWISS

1. Identification of the existing models of supervision available through a literature review. These are captured in the website

2. Consultation and collaboration with a group of critical friends to

ensure the project was informed by field educators and drew on the collective wisdom in the field involving:

Focus groups with field educators and students to identify key issues, needs and key strategies currently being used to draw on the existing collective wisdom available

Individual interviews with field educators and students Identifying real life experiences and stories – what worked and

didn’t work for field educators and students alike, tools and tips used by Field Educators that could be shared, common issues and complexities


Consultation process: field educators

• Sixteen (16) detailed conversational interviews were conducted to inform the design and content.

• Five small group discussions were held, with an average of three-four (3-4) participants per group.

• Three (3) larger group discussions were held, with an average of six – eight (6-8) participants in each.

• The project was presented and discussed at the Supervisors Introduction Workshops for Summer Semester 2012-13 and Semester 1 2013.

• A feedback forum held to show field educators and navigate through the test site. This provided an opportunity to gain feedback on the look, feel and usability of the site and any critique before final editing and submission.


Consultation process: Students

• Student’s views were captured using a combination of group meeting, individual interview and email correspondence; in-depth conversations and informal comment.

• In-depth discussions were held with graduating students to identify their key insights into their experiences of being supervised in placement. These sessions were all of class discussions plus targeted group conversations with particular students. There were three targeted group conversations with a total participation of twenty students.Thirteen (13) individual interviews were undertaken.

• A number of students also elected to have a say via email and phone interview. All involvement was voluntary. All content remains confidential.


Key consultation themes

Themes Site design response Easy access to information that is inviting

Site designed through a series of clicks from general topic introduction to sub topics, linking to information

Information targeted to first time and experienced supervisors

SWISS has begun its life with a focus on the new supervisor, capacity exists for addition of greater levels of complexity and resources

Practice language – minimal academic language

Content is written in simple and clear language wherever possible. Links are made to key resources and references.

Embedded in real practice situations

The stories and insights gained through the consultations have been used to provide examples of ‘real practice’ applications.


Key Consultation themesThemes Site design response A dynamic site that can be added to and changed as other ideas and practices, research emerge.

The site has multiple opportunities for supervisors to provide feedback and make contributions. The site will be hosted by the QUT Field Education Unit and updated on a regular basis.

Internet Access – no pass words

Although a QUT sponsored site, the site will be accessible through the internet, with no passwords required.

Insight into what the students are learning at University before, during and after placement.

There are links to all the relevant social work and human services degrees and course materials.

One stop shop for placement information.

QUT social work and human service manuals and information are accessible on site and can be down loaded. Important dates, newsletters and other relevant information to appear on front page for ease of access. Site enhanced with photos and video.


SWISS

• http://www.swiss.qut.edu.au/


Final word of thanks

• Libby Magnus and Anna Spencer• Boris Dusanic Web Support Officer

extraordinaire Health IT, Faculty of Health• Maike Van Beest• Professor Bob Lonne• Health Workforce Australia• The students and Field Educators for

sharing their stories• Peter Crane for visuals

anna spencer dr fotina hardy qut school of public health and social work field education unit

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