Development of a care-work practicum program for learning team management and care practice in the community: Planning and evaluation by teachers and practicum instructors

Abstract

[Objectives] University teachers and practicum instructors at practicum facilities collaborated to develop a comprehensive care-work practicum program for learning team management and care practice in the community, and evaluated the results of the practicum. [Methods] This study was based on the action-research method, along with the participation of practicum instructors. [Results] We first prepared an outline of the comprehensive program, drafted and refined a model of the program, described the objectives, achievement goals, and assumed practicum contents. The planned and achieved results of this model were then analyzed, based on the opinions of the practicum instructors and group discussions among the teachers and practicum instructors. [Conclusion] Although we were able to present a model of what can be experienced in practical training, the following issues warrant addressing: (1) simplification of the program as a whole; (2) a review of the implementation methods; (3) the need for advanced preparation and collaboration with training facilities; (4) a review of the educational methods for the integration of experiences; (5) preparation for readiness and independence of students; and (6) implementation systems at the training facilities.