Due to the COVID-19 situation and its impact on the School’s curriculum and availability of clinical externship sites, Externship schedules for the remainder of 2020 have been modified to accommodate COVID-related public health measures and consequent constraints. Please see Important Dates for specific information about SLP and Audiology externship rotations.
The School of Audiology and Speech Sciences is committed to maintaining high standards of academic and clinical education that will enable students to develop the competencies necessary for successfully completing their programs and being prepared to enter clinical practice. Any COVID-related modifications to their program will uphold these standards of excellence.
The Early 2021 externships have been released to students and their Clinical Educators. Please see below for updated information on the inclusion of students in clinical settings and their preparation prior to arriving in clinic.
1. The following measures have been in place since March and have continued to meet or exceed those provided by B.C.’s Public Health Officer.
• In keeping with University directives and since March 16th, all classes, assessments, meetings and exams are online; In this fall term, current SLP students have been wholly online, and AUDI year 1 and 2 students have had labs in small bubbles following Ministry and FoM approved PPE and infection control protocols, e.g. space occupancy, cleaning, eye protection and masks
• Students, staff and faculty are required to self-assess daily for symptoms and stay home when unwell for any reason or when directed by Public Health
• Since March 16th, the School has been closed to all students, staff and faculty with the exception of pre-approved entry for teaching labs or research complying with above conditions
• Students, staff and faculty have all completed Faculty of Medicine and UBC training for control and safety plan protocols, with a particular focus on clinical and community environments
• Students have full access to health resources and supports from UBC.
2. Travel: The Ministry of Health and Public Health Officer deem student placements under the category of work, and as such, any travel by students on placement within B.C. during placements is under the category of Essential Travel, and not subject to travel restrictions. This extends to travel within work schedule between different regions. See the additional clarification received from the Vice-Dean, Education’ s office of the Faculty of Medicine.
“Regarding the newest PHO order of travel restrictions in and outside of the VCH and FH (lower mainland) areas, are our medical students and residents exempted as they travel in and out of the lower mainland to do their clinical rotations throughout the province?” Dr. Henry responded by saying, “Yes, this refers to non essential travel. Work travel is essential but they should minimize contacts, wear masks and ensure they monitor daily for symptoms particularly if going from a higher risk area (FH and VCH) to a lower risk community.”
‘I think this is very helpful direction from Dr. Henry and we can provide the same guidance to all of our programs. The same direction would apply to Health Profession students doing clinical placements. The only special consideration would be for travel into Indigenous communities, which should always involve careful consultation on a case by case basis, which is what our programs have all done so far.’
3. Updated Public Health orders are routinely reinforced with all of our students, and the Faculty of Medicine is in regular communication with local health authorities; including review and implementation of Public Health Orders. All student concerns are addressed by the School and the University with appropriate mechanisms and supports.
For more detailed guidelines on students in placement settings, please consult http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Professionals-Site/Documents/COVID19_StudentPracticeEducationGuidelineHCS.pdf
If you have any questions, please contact your student’s listed Clinical Coordinator or Marcia Choi at marciac@audiospeech.ubc.ca.