Embracing inclusivity in student healthcare practice - educating and supporting staff

Studies show that up to 20% of the population are neurodivergent. Healthcare students and staff report experiencing bias and discrimination in the workplace. The People Plan for 2020/21 (NHS England, 2020) promotes a vision placing a compassionate and inclusive culture at the centre of the NHS. It highlights that all NHS employees and employers are accountable for tackling bullying and harassment. This resource focusses on creating a more civil and respectful culture

This team utilised a wide range of ND stakeholders (nursing and radiology students, nurses, midwives and lecturers) from across the UK to develop a series of interactive resources, including animated case studies for healthcare workers working with and assessing students. An intersectional approach based on lived experience was used to ensure that diversity of all kinds (race, gender, sexual identity, age and disability) was considered. The aim was to enhance understanding of the experience and needs of the ND student community through immersion in realistic scenarios, contributing to the education and support of staff in practice settings to maximise student potential, manage student needs effectively and support retention.

This project was evaluated by pairing a ND student with a Practice Supervisor (PS) and Practice Assessor (PA). The PS/PAs completed a pre-package questionnaire evaluating their understanding of neurodivergence. They then completed the package and a post-package questionnaire. A follow-up questionnaire was sent to the PA/PSs following the placement and semi-structured interviews were conducted with students either in a focus group or individually if requested.

Healthcare staff stated their understanding of supporting ND students following the training. It improved their awareness and gave them tools to support students using a more personalised approach. Students reported that the tool made supervisors more receptive to discussions surrounding reasonable adjustments and that this had improved their overall experience on placement through individualised adaptations.