A new app designed to support students and mentors during clinical placements has been launched by Birmingham City University’s Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences.

Lecturer in Adult Nursing Scott Colton led the development of the unique application, which allows both students and mentors to quickly access key information and enables them to swiftly escalate any issues to relevant staff members.

Students on a number of health-related courses, including nursing, undertake placements in healthcare settings as part of their studies to develop vital practical experience, preparing them for their future careers.

The app, called ‘BCU Placement Support’ aims to ensure that both students and mentors make the most of clinical placements and maximise the vital training opportunities they present for those preparing for a career in healthcare.

Colton explained: “Access to support and information is crucial to students and mentors in getting the most out of the experience and enables any issues or queries to be addressed quickly.

We hope that in launching this app we will help support students in succeeding when out on placements as well as facilitating mentors in carrying out their role.”

The app has been well received by students who are amongst the first to use it. Nursing student Zoe Speed said: “Wow love this app! Really useful information included and love the option to set event dates.”

It is available to download for free from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. The app will also be accessible to students and mentors at other institutions with a reduced range of features