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Dr Kevin Campbell-Karn talks to the Society about life in the ‘New Normal’
‘Since the 16th March my University (Bucks New University) closed the teaching campus’ and moved to online delivery. But of course, Sports Therapy is quite different to most degree programmes due to the volume of ‘hands-on’ work we do that necessitates the same for the teaching and assessment of these key skills. Therefore, some of our modules that had not yet covered the elements of the syllabus were put on hold until we were able to find a way of teaching again.
Let’s jump forward a few hard months and into the return to some of our ‘new normal’ activities. I was eager to ensure that our 2nd years, who were due to start the third year, and our MSc students, had as many of the tools in their toolbox as possible. We therefore started planning what teaching we could deliver and, more importantly, how we could deliver it safely. It was decided that the manual therapy and electrotherapy modules were the preferred options (leaving examination and assessment still to cover). From this there was a lot of checking of what the requirements would be. However, as these are unprecedented times, of course no one had done this yet. Starting from scratch to invent the wheel also appears foolhardy, and so it was decided to combine the principles of clinical practice with the issues around groups of people being together.
A new risk assessment was completed (several times) to ‘walk through’ all aspects of the delivery. Two site visits and setting up of larger rooms were conducted to enable as much space as possible between students. Screening forms were created, personal risk assessments were completed, standard operating procedures became an overriding manual for us all, and the Vice-Chancellor was contacted to ensure all levels of the university were informed and asked to contribute to ensuring this pioneering process was both approved and a success. PPE was also sourced and appropriate training for the staff was established before readying ourselves for day 1 – which was our health and safety plus PPE training day.
2 years (or 1 year for the MSc) into attending the university and we have to start again to establish where to walk in, what staggered time to enter, temperature check, screening form completed, before moving to a changing room to put their clothing on for that day before entering the PPE donning and doffing area. What started as a ‘good idea’ had become a monster! Or had it? You see, much like the changes we have all been through during this pandemic (and it’s change we all fear of course), we humans are particularly good at adapting. And sure enough, after this one day of induction and pairing (students were self-assigned to pairs and would remain in this pairing for the duration, even remaining on the same plinth), everyone had quickly adjusted and were all so happy to be back in university and eager to learn.
It is at this point I have to thank and highlight what a fantastic group of students we have at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. We were soon laughing and enjoying the learning process with students quick to comment that they felt relaxed but suitably safe.
What lessons did we learn? Quite a few. Firstly, the students are quick to adapt and adjust to the PPE and processes needed to keep everyone safe. Second, talking to a group of students with a face shield is really loud as the sound reflects back into your own ears but others can’t hear (we are looking into radio microphones). Third, face shields make you hot and add condensation, meaning it can be difficult to see, would goggles (with suitable droplet protection ratings) be better? Fourth, our biggest group was 23 students but in order to maintain physical distancing, they had to be taught techniques in smaller sizes which adds time to the teaching. Fifth, the team you have around you to support you, and your student body, really does matter. I cannot thank Megan Robson (one of our lecturers who taught with me) and Kate Cady (who delivered the electrotherapy teaching) enough for all their hard work leading up to and during the teaching. Also, Phil Woodbridge our technician for ensuring all students were brought in, set up, and had all they needed in terms of PPE and space. And finally, the members of the university Covid group who helped ensure we could create a safe and welcoming teaching environment for our students.’If anyone wishes to discuss with me about their plans for teaching in the new term then you know where I am… kevin.campbellkarn@society_of_sports_therapists.org
Stay safe, but make progress.’
And for some other great news, read about what one of our graduates has been up to:
https://bucks.ac.uk/news/2020/july/unforgettable-wembley-night-tops-off-first-class-graduand-saras-time-at-bucks[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]