Resources

The clinical environment is very different to the lab or office environment that scientists often find themselves in. In order to prepare scientists as best as possible, the explanation of key activities and services they may experience during the program can be helpful.

This document outlines some common clinical activities, including the people usually involved and how the activity usually runs.

For the experience to be positive and effective for all involved, it is essential that both the scientist and clinician are aware of their roles and responsibilities while participating in the program.

This document provides suggested text to ensure participants are clear on what they will be required to do during the program and their responsibilities.

To ensure your target audience is reached and a consistent message conveyed, a communications plan considering your target audience, key messages and most effective communication channels should be developed.

This document provides a template that can be used as a prompter.

The ability to track activities against a timeline will assist with the effective project management of your program. A gantt chart is an easy way to monitor how your program is tracking.

This document is an example of a gantt chart template that can be used for activity tracking and provides examples of some initial activities that might be considered for the first phase of a project.

The timetable for your participants will vary depending on your context and preferences.

This is an example of a timetable and format used for a previously implemented Scientists in the Clinic pilot.

The Scientists in the Clinic program is implemented over four stages: Engage and Explore, Plan and Prepare, Implement and Monitor, Evaluate and Refine. 

This document provides a simple graphic of the stages, adapted from Australian Institute of Family Studies, Implementation action, 2019. 

The Scientists in the Clinic program aims to engage both scientists and clinicians to participate in a two to three week experience (approximately 15 – 20 hours). 

The model aims to provide connections between the participating scientists and clinicians, as well as, the scientist with an opportunity to see firsthand the complexities of clinical medicine, the approaches to care, and the interaction between clinicians, patients and carers.

As with all programs and projects undertaken, evaluation and quality improvement are an essential step.

This is an example of a survey that can be distributed to scientists or clinicians to ensure participant feedback is captured. 

For the Scientists in the Clinic program to be successful, it also relies on the involvement of patients and their families.

To ensure the patient is fully informed, this document is an example of a written patient consent form that can be used. 

As with all workplace situations, if an issue arises for one of the participants involved (scientist or clinician) there needs to be a clear procedure to follow to ensure it is handled appropriately.

This document provides a way to introduce issue resolution for your participants. 

As this program involves real clinical situations, patients and their families, it is important to understand your responsibilities in maintaining privacy and confidentiality.

This document introduces the concept of privacy and confidentiality in the clinical environment for the scientist. 

Due to the clinical nature of this program, there may be instances where a situation is particularly sad, tragic or disturbing for some scientists.

To ensure participant wellbeing is at the forefront of everyone's minds, this document outlines some key tips on pre-briefing and debriefing for both the scientist and clinician, as well as, a list of options additional help if required.