If you would like to recommend any strategies to be added to this page please email z.morton-jones@worc.ac.uk

• Case Studies

Issues surrounding support for students with motor and/or manual dexterity difficulties can be wide ranging and will depend very much on individual requirements.

It may be necessary for Clinical Placement Supervisors to consider modifications to specialist equipment and/or treatment techniques and possibly the help of a Personal Assistant for the student.

Any reasonable adjustments should be negotiated and agreed with the student, ideally prior to the commencement of the placement. University staff members may also be involved in this process. A note should be made of any agreed adjustments and all parties involved in the negotiation should sign this record. The arrangements should be reviewed at intervals throughout the placement to ensure continued effectiveness. An open attitude to these issues will encourage the student to approach the Clinical Educator early enough to avoid the development of problems.

These two case studies outline the experiences of two nurses who each have only one hand. They discuss the challenges associated with other people's perceptions of their abilities, and how these challenges have been overcome in their day-to-day work.

Case Study