Abstract
Introduction
Growing and sustaining a rural and remote allied health workforce is challenging and complex. In 2019 the Allied Health Rural Generalist Pathway (AHRGP) was introduced as a workforce strategy to support early career AHPs in South Australia’s regional Local Health Networks to develop rurally relevant specialist skills across clinical, leadership/research and quality improvement. An evaluation of this cohort of trainees was undertaken to explore the experiences of those involved as well as the impacts, barriers and enablers and recommendations for the future.
Method
A mixed methods approach was used. In-depth interviews were conducted with trainees, supervisors, line managers, profession leads and the project team, pre and mid and post pathway. Qualitative and quantitative results were analysed separately and reported together to comprehensively explore experiences and impacts.
Results
At the conclusion of the evaluation, a range of findings emerged including:
-The AHRGP is giving early career AHPs the opportunity for rural generalist specialist skill development across clinical, leadership and quality improvement areas.
-Participants found the AHRGP to beneficial but some challenges with the relevance of course content were identified.
-Regular, quality and accessible clinical supervision, line manager support and project coordination is vital for AHPs to feel supported in the pathway
Conclusion
It is recommended that the AHRGP continue to be offered in SA. To improve sustainability and effectiveness, robust clinical and project support structures are required to assist learning outcomes and benefits across clinical, leadership/research and quality improvement areas.
Growing and sustaining a rural and remote allied health workforce is challenging and complex. In 2019 the Allied Health Rural Generalist Pathway (AHRGP) was introduced as a workforce strategy to support early career AHPs in South Australia’s regional Local Health Networks to develop rurally relevant specialist skills across clinical, leadership/research and quality improvement. An evaluation of this cohort of trainees was undertaken to explore the experiences of those involved as well as the impacts, barriers and enablers and recommendations for the future.
Method
A mixed methods approach was used. In-depth interviews were conducted with trainees, supervisors, line managers, profession leads and the project team, pre and mid and post pathway. Qualitative and quantitative results were analysed separately and reported together to comprehensively explore experiences and impacts.
Results
At the conclusion of the evaluation, a range of findings emerged including:
-The AHRGP is giving early career AHPs the opportunity for rural generalist specialist skill development across clinical, leadership and quality improvement areas.
-Participants found the AHRGP to beneficial but some challenges with the relevance of course content were identified.
-Regular, quality and accessible clinical supervision, line manager support and project coordination is vital for AHPs to feel supported in the pathway
Conclusion
It is recommended that the AHRGP continue to be offered in SA. To improve sustainability and effectiveness, robust clinical and project support structures are required to assist learning outcomes and benefits across clinical, leadership/research and quality improvement areas.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 15 Nov 2022 |
| Event | 14th National Rural and Remote Allied Health Conference: People, Purpose, Passion: Pathways to success - Virtual online, Australia Duration: 15 Nov 2022 → 16 Nov 2022 Conference number: 14th https://sarrahconference.com.au/ |
Conference
| Conference | 14th National Rural and Remote Allied Health Conference |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| Period | 15/11/22 → 16/11/22 |
| Other | The National Rural and Remote Allied Health Conference has a strong reputation as one of the best-allied health conferences in Australia. It is the centrepiece of SARRAH’s engagement with our members and all allied health professionals, service providers, academics, students, and state and Commonwealth governments working to ensure equitable health outcomes for rural and remote Australians. In 2022 the purpose of our gathering is to share knowledge and thought leadership in the rural and remote allied health sector while networking with new and old friends. This year’s theme – People, Purpose Passion: Pathways to Success – will bring together committed health professionals with a shared vision of building our community of change agents, so that rural and remote Australians have access to the healthcare they need to stay whole, healthy, and fully participating in society. Together we will explore rural career pathways, contemporary practice, and consider the health system reforms needed to improve access to allied health services for vulnerable Australians. If you are interested in contributing to sustainable and resilient rural and remote communities, this conference is for you. |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- Remote health care
- Allied health care professionals
- Trainees