Table 2 Overview of subthemes and themes

Coherence between theory and practice

Enhancing the collaboration between the university and the placement provider

Facilitates coherence between learning activities at campus and learning situations in placement

Student support and guidance during placement

Supporting students who are facing challenges during placement

Influencing the culture for practice learning

Supporting the supervisors to support the students

Clinical supervisors become more secure in their role

Improving student assessment

Students who are facing challenges in placement are more likely identified

Factors influencing the practice education facilitators’ performance in their role

Flexibility in the clinical role influences the performance in the practice education facilitator role

Familiarity and position in the clinical setting influence practice education facilitators’ ability to effect changes