Challenges and opportunities in organizing work placements in the healthcare sector for non-clinical students: an Australian perspective

Amidst the escalating demand for non-clinical workforce roles, this study explores the challenges and opportunities associated with non-clinical student placements. Findings from ten students, seven educators, seventeen placement hosts, and two professional bodies revealed significant challenges in organizing work placements, including limited availability of placement sites and positions, logistical challenges in coordination, and operational challenges such as complexity in procedures, time constraints for supervision, communication challenges, and technological restrictions during placement. Assumed student capacity and knowledge and difficulties in motivating and engaging students also emerged as challenges. However, promising opportunities were identified, including the potential for matching student merit and compatibility with placements, providing opportunities for skill enhancement, and fostering networking and employability. Engaging professional bodies for proactive involvement in the facilitation of placements emerged as a key opportunity, along with the implementation of a unified information system for placement coordination, and streamlining procedures involved in organizing non-clinical student placements.