Clinical learning environments

The limited capacity of clinical placements has resulted in exploration of newer and varied opportunities for clinical experiential learning for students. The use of placements overseas through exchange schemes highlights the issue of benchmarks for quality assurance of placements for learning. The clinical learning environment is at the core of effective professional learning for nurses or other healthcare professionals, patient safety, student experience and career intentions. Education institutions do need a clear understanding of the clinical learning environment (CLE) students are entering and how it contributes to effective professional learning. It is therefore a necessity to not only understand it but to be assured of the quality of it. This chapter will explore a the findings form an EU funded project which focusses on compiling benchmark standards for European placements and the development for a measuring instrument for prospective assurance for clinical learning environments. The issue of what comprises a quality learning environment and how this can be measured and supported will also be addressed.