Returning to the Territory: how elective placements influence future medical workforce participation in the Northern Territory

Background:
The Northern Territory (NT) faces ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining healthcare professionals, particularly in rural and remote areas. The region has a high burden of disease relative to the size of its health workforce, contributing to inequitable access to care. Medical students from interstate undertake short-term elective clinical experiences in the NT and this may be a pathway to strengthening the regional workforce. Previous research shows that medical students who undertake rural clinical placements are more likely to practise in rural areas. Much of the existing evidence relies on survey data or secondary workforce datasets. There is limited exploration of how these experiences influence graduates’ decisions to return to work in regions such as the NT. Exploring graduates’ perspectives may help inform strategies to improve workforce recruitment and retention in underserved areas.

Aim/Objectives:
This study explores how elective placements in the NT influence medical graduates’ decisions to return to work in the Territory, and to identify perceived facilitators and barriers to pursuing a medical career in the region.

Methods:
This qualitative study forms part of a broader multidisciplinary project examining elective placement experiences across healthcare professions. For the medical component, 6–10 semi-structured interviews and/or focus groups will be conducted with medical graduates who previously undertook an elective placement in the NT and later returned to work in the region. Participants will be recruited through professional networks and social media. Interviews will explore elective experiences, motivations for returning to the NT, and perceived enablers and challenges of working in the Territory. Analysis will be thematic using qualitative analysis software.

Findings:
Data collection has commenced at the time of abstract submission. Preliminary findings will be presented at the conference.

Implications:
This study will provide insight into how elective placement experiences influence decisions to work in the NT and may inform the design of elective programs that support recruitment and workforce retention. The findings may also assist policymakers, training providers and funding bodies in strengthening initiatives that promote equitable accessible and sustainable healthcare delivery in rural and remote Australia.