Miss Georgia Gosse1, Dr Helen Banwell1, Dr Joshua Pate2, Prof Saravana Kumar1
1University Of South Australia, Allied Health and Human Performance, Adelaide, Australia, 2University of Technology Sydney, Graduate School of Health, Sydney, Australia
Biography:
Georgia Gosse is a PhD candidate at the University of South Australia. She graduated from the University of South Australia with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (First Class Honours) in 2019. Since graduating, Georgia has had experience delivering outreach physiotherapy services to children in rural areas in South Australia. Georgia grew up in the Mid North of South Australia and has always been passionate about rural health. She has brought together her experiences growing up and clinical knowledge to embark on a research journey to improve health service delivery outcomes for children in rural and remote areas.
Abstract:
Purpose:
This study explored the experiences of allied health (AH) professionals delivering services to children with developmental needs in rural and remote South Australia, using a strengths-based lens.
Methods:
Semi-structured interviews and focus-groups were conducted with AH professionals from multiple disciplines, representing South Australian regions classified as Modified Monash Model (MMM) 2–7. An appreciative inquiry (AI) framework guided both the development of questions and thematic analysis, with findings organised into the AI domains of “Discover,” “Dream,” “Design,” and “Destiny.”
Results:
Over 35 AH professionals from a variety of regions and professions were involved. In the “Discover” phase, participants described strong interprofessional collaboration, family partnerships, and broad clinical experiences that encouraged creativity and adaptability. In the “Dream” phase, AH professionals envisioned services that enhanced transdisciplinary work, strengthened professional development, and improved physical resourcing. In the “Design” phase, participants called for service models and guidelines tailored to the realities of rural and remote practice. In the “Destiny” phase, professionals acknowledged existing community strengths, while highlighting the importance of protecting clinician wellbeing and preventing workforce burnout to ensure service sustainability.
Discussion:
This strengths-based qualitative study offers valuable insights into the delivery of AH services for children with developmental needs in rural and remote South Australia. It highlights the importance of fostering community collaboration, enhancing transdisciplinary capability, and ensuring contextually relevant service models. Critically, it reinforces the need for strategies to support workforce sustainability to maintain high-quality services in rural settings. These findings can inform future rural service planning, workforce development and policy innovation.