Fall 2018 Clinical Education Update

Our clinical placement was in the the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH). We worked as student physiotherapists on the stroke rehabilitation, neurosurgery and neurological floors. It was a great learning experience for us, as the staff at the hospital were knowledgeable and welcoming throughout the entire process. Personnel from the Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), acting in their role of overseas student liaisons, were also very friendly and helpful in providing a positive experience.

We noticed that Canadians have many similarities to Scots, particularly their friendly demeanor and love for talking about the weather! Scottish physiotherapy practice is also similar to Canadian practice with a focus on patient-centered care, interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice. Having said that, there are some differences! Scotland hospitals offer on-call cardiorespiratory physiotherapy care on weekends and new physiotherapists work as rotational staff members in the National Health Service prior to acquiring a static position. We also found differences in the equipment available for physiotherapists working in a Scottish hospitals, including a variety of supportive chair possibilities and the “Stedy”, a device using for transferring (See photo above).

The wonderful summer weather allowed us to travel and explore Glasgow and nearby areas of Scotland. Including Art Galleries and Museums, the historic University of Glasgow and Glasgow Cathedral, as well as many beautiful green spaces and one of the greatest live music scenes in the UK.

Now, back in Canada, with our MScPT diploma in hand we are eager to begin our new careers in the exciting world of physiotherapy! We are grateful for this wonderful learning experience and would like to extend  our thanks to GCU and all the staff at QEUH for their fantastic hospitality. Thanks also to Dalhousie University International Centre and the School of Physiotherapy for the SWIF funding opportunities provided. A special thank you to Gail Wainwright and Daphne Pereira for all their work in securing international placements and the support they provided to us along the way.

We hope other Dalhousie physiotherapy students take advantage of the opportunity to complete international clinical placements in the future. It is sure to open their eyes to the "wide world" of physiotherapy!

St Bricin's Military Hospital, located in Dublin, Ireland, serves members of the Irish Defence Forces. Forces presonnel undergo intense training regimes that cause repetitive strain throughout the course of a day which, in turn, can lead to injury. During our international placement experience we had the opportunity of treating a variety of these type of injuries. The main focus of treatment was to return the patient to optimum working function (90-100%), allowing them to resume their duties.

Physiotherapy services for the Irish Defence Forces are run thoughout the country to allow easy access for it's members. Access to rehab classes and strengthening programs is available through their local gym.

Being on an international clinical placement, allowed us the opportunity to learn about the historic and cultural aspects of Ireland as well as the physiotherapy profession in the country. The overall experience is one that we will never forget.