Evaluating the efficacy and impact of the nursing and midwifery exchange program: A study protocol

Objective The following research protocol evaluates the Queensland Health Nursing and Midwifery Exchange Program (NMEP) and evaluates how exposure to diverse clinical settings, may impact the nursing and midwifery workforce on individual and organisational levels. Design This protocol details a mixed methodology allowing for both quantitative and qualitative data. The study is being undertaken in three stages; a survey of the participating nurses and midwives; a systematic review; and a Delphi study with an expert review group. Setting The study is a Queensland wide study across rural/remote, regional and metropolitan locations. Subjects This study will follow approximately 70 nurses and midwives employed by Queensland Health from diverse areas and streams at various stages within their clinical career. Interventions Nurses and Midwives participate in a three or six-month professional exchange to a rural/remote or metropolitan location. Main outcome measure(s) This study will evaluate the impact and sustainability of the NMEP program through measurement of burnout, job embeddedness, job strain, job satisfaction and attrition through a series of surveys. In addition to this, a systematic review and Delphi with executive experts will be conducted to consider a future pathway/model for nursing and midwifery exchange. Results This study has commenced and will be completed September of 2019. Conclusion The NMEP program is one novel approach to nursing and midwifery workforce concerns and looks to present excellent opportunities for the crossover of skills and ideas related to clinical, professional and service integration between metropolitan and rural practice.