TCD Practice Education Team

The Practice Education Coordinator (PEC) is responsible for the overall co-ordination of the placements for the students. This role includes: quality assurance in clinical education; development of new placements; developing, co-coordinating and teaching on the Preparation for Practice Education Modules; supporting students and practice educators in clinical sites; facilitating the education of practice educators; coordinating and supporting practice tutors and the Regional Placement Facilitator and research. The PEC is responsible for the operational management and strategic developments of practice education in the program.

The Regional Placement Facilitator (RPF) is funded by the HSE and based in the university. This senior grade post offers a supporting role to students and practice educators as part of the university practice education team across a number of clinical sites. The RPF actively seeks and develops clinical placement opportunities in liaison with key stakeholders in a range of environments not previously explored. The RPF is involved in Practice Educator training/ Preparation for Practice Education Modules. In collaboration with the PEC and Practice Tutors, the RPF strives towards excellence in Practice Education through active involvement in quality assurance initiatives.

Practice Tutors (PT) are funded by the HSE and are based in practice education (clinical) sites. This senior grade post supports students and practice educators (managers, seniors or staff grade clinical staff directly supervising students) as part of the university practice education team in the clinical site. Tutors are involved in hands-on teaching and supervision of individual or groups of students.

Practice Educator (PE) is used to describe the identified occupational therapy practitioner in the placement setting who supports and facilitates the student’s day-to-day learning and who is responsible for the supervision and overall formative and/or summative assessment of student competence. The Practice Educator is supported in this role by the other members of the Practice Education Team.