Perceptions of stress, time management and coping strategies of speech pathology students on clinical placement

Abstract

Speech Pathology students in Australia complete clinical placements as part of their professional preparation. Stress levels experienced by students while on clinical placement can impact on their ability to learn and cope within the workplace. This study explores potential sources of stress for students while on clinical placement and uncovers that differences in the way students and clinical educators perceive how time is spent during clinical placements may be a factor in student stress. In addition, students' time management abilities were measured using the Australian Time and Organisation Management Scale (ATOMS) over a one year period to determine the impact of clinical placements on the development of abilities in this area. Clinical Educators also rated students' time management abilities during clinical placements to determine the extent to which students and clinical educators agree about their time management abilities. The study also investigates the stress levels of students on clinical placement and how students cope with their stress. The majority of students minimized the impact of external sources of stress, developed time management abilities and used appropriate coping strategies to keep stress to a moderate level during their clinical placements.