Setting and participants
This trial was conducted at the Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree course in ‘Speech Therapy’ at the University of Verona (Verona, Italy). The targeted study population consisted of third- and second-year students who attended the second semester of this three-year course before starting the placement. Participants were eligible if they were students enrolled in the third or second year of the abovementioned BSc programme and were willing to participate in the study. Hence, a potential cohort of 50 students was identified: 25 from the second year and 25 of the third year. Information about the study’s objectives was thoroughly provided to the students, after which their willingness to participate was ascertained through written informed consent. In case of unwillingness, they were told that they would receive the synchronous course in preparation for the placement but that their data would not be collected.