In-Person Placement Re-Entry

As clinical programs seek to re-start in-person practicum/placement experiences, the University has put together resources for placement coordinators and students so that in-person placements can resume safely.

Readiness Framework

A site readiness framework has been created to help academic administrators and placement coordinators as they explore the feasibility of in-person placements at non-hospital sites. In addition, the University will utilize the TAHSN Academic recovery framework for hospital-based placements. The frameworks and any supporting documents will be managed at the academic unit/program level.

COVID Curriculum

A mandatory COVID-19 Curriculum has been developed for students who are preparing to re-enter the clinical learning environment. Dissemination and tracking of completion of the curriculum is being managed at the academic unit/program level.

Preparing Students

The University has put together a cohesive overview of additional information students should know prior to participating in an in-person placement. This overview is a baseline, and there may be additional program specific requirements for students:

1. Training and Compliance

   Students participating in an on-site placement must complete all safety orientation and training from the site and adhere to the placement site’s health and safety processes, procedures, policies, and directives.

   Students should keep up-to-date on all communications and announcements of COVID-19 related policy or procedural changes at U of T and their placement site.

   Students completing clinical placements may have additional requirements, including compliance with their program’s directives regarding interactions with COVID-19 positive or presumed positive patients.

   Students may not attend in-person at a placement site if they develop any COVID-19 symptoms indicated by Public Health Ontario and, in addition to program reporting procedures, must notify U of T’s Occupational Health Nurse immediately by email at ehs.occhealth@utoronto.ca if they test positive for COVID-19 . Students then may not visit the University or placement site until they receive clearance to do so from UofT’s Occupational Health Nurse.

   Pre-placement COVID-19 training is mandatory for health science/clinical students

2. Best Practices

   Students completing a placement on-site should follow public health best practices, including:

   • Wash hands and/or use hand sanitizer frequently and after touching common surfaces
   • Avoid touching their face
   • Avoid congregating in groups, even during breaks
   • Maintain physical distancing as much as possible
   • Wear a mask and/or other PPE when social distancing is not possible or when required by the placement site
   • Wipe computer and work station (if applicable) with disinfectant at the start and end of each work day.
      
3. Communicate with University
   
   Students should inform their Placement Supervisor and their University Placement Coordinator if they experience any workplace illness/injury or if they become aware of placement circumstances which are unsafe. Students have the right to refuse unsafe work immediately.
    
4. Modification Requests
   
   COVID-19 may pose unique challenges for students and the University is committed to providing as much flexibility as possible in the circumstances. Students should inform their Program lead if they believe they require modifications to their practicums based on their personal circumstances. Please note that Accessibility Services remains available to students experiencing disability-related barriers.

View the FAQ on Clinical Placements.