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- Title
The opinions and attitudes of HPC registered level 4 podiatry students towards professionalism pre- and post- work placement: a qualitative study.
- Authors
Ellis, Mairghread J. H.; Speers, Alex; Waring, Jenny L.
- Abstract
Introduction: This paper explores professionalism from the perspective of HPC registered 4th year podiatry students at a Scottish university. The Health Professions Council requires registrants to display professional behaviours, and has recently identified professionalism as an area requiring further development and understanding. No current literature was found in this area which relates to newly registered podiatrists. Aims: This study aimed to gain insight into the opinions and attitudes of newly HPC registered podiatrists towards professionalism before and after a 3 week full time working NHS placement. Method: Qualitative data was generated using topic led asynchronous online discussions. The researchers acknowledged a degree of reflexivity throughout the study by clearly illustrating their own position within the research process. Seven level 4 HPC registered podiatry students took part in this study. Data was analysed collaboratively by the research team for emergence of themes, and was set in the context of other relevant research literature. Findings: Participants gave rich descriptions of personal opinions and relevant examples of professional practices. Three main themes emerged from the discussions: Professional Identity, Professional Standards and Core Values. Discussion: Professional Identity emerged as the most discussed theme. The discussion pre-placement centred around looking inwardly to aspects of the participants' own professionalism; whilst post-placement discussions evolved into reflections on experiences and how the participants were able to use their professional skills. Professional Identity within podiatric practice remains at the forefront of practice - in this research, most specifically in the areas of title and role. Conclusion: This research offers insight into this small but unique group of podiatrists, who have shown they understand concepts associated with professionalism, and have demonstrated willingness to act professionally. The findings offer a unique contribution to the podiatry-specific literature on professionalism, and as such, provide evidence from novice practitioners to help inform the professions' reflections and discourse on professionalism.
- Subjects
SCOTLAND; ATTITUDE testing; HEALTH occupations students; INTERNSHIP programs; PODIATRISTS; RESEARCH; RESEARCH evaluation; STUDENT attitudes; QUALITATIVE research; JOB performance; PROFESSIONALISM; THEMATIC analysis; HEALTH Professions Council (Great Britain)
- Publication
Podiatry Review, 2012, Vol 69, Issue 2, p6
- ISSN
1756-3291
- Publication type
Article