Industry views on satisfaction and value of work integrated learning placements in health services management

This paper describes the findings of an exploratory study to understand industry satisfaction with administrative procedures and the value of student Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements in health services management. The research aimed to collect data to identify potential areas for improvement of administrative processes for WIL and to determine the value received from host sites through student placement. We used a survey to collect both quantitative and qualitative data using an instrument we developed for this study. The survey was distributed to workplace supervisors hosting health services management students. Using descriptive statistics and analysing responses received the views reflected that students complete work of value within their organisations and students are placed in a diverse range of health care settings private, public, and non-government organisations. Feedback received from workplace supervisors has been used to improve WIL administrative processes, streamline communications, and provide further clarity of expectations. This paper will be of interest to Universities who offer niche programs, such as in health services management, and in describing the value of WIL from industry perspectives. The study has also identified future areas for research such as replication of the survey and testing in other academic disciplines who support work integrated learning courses.