Ms Nicola Lamb1, Ms Bethany Schofield2
1Murrumbidgee Local Health District, Wagga Wagga, Australia, 2Western NSW Local Health District, Forbes, Australia
Biography:
Bethany and Nicola are physiotherapists and Allied Health Educators from Western NSW LHD and Murrumbidgee LHD respectively. In their current roles Beth and Nicola lead student educators collaboratively across both Local Health Districts. Together they have developed a strategic framework to empower allied health staff in student education and address rural workforce shortages by improving student placement experience and increasing visibility and interest in rural clinical roles.
Abstract:
Our Regional Allied Health Student Education Partnership has empowered rural clinicians to engage in student placements, shaping the future rural workforce.
The RAHSE pilot is jointly funded by the MoH and Department of Regional NSW to address the early stages of the Allied Health workforce pipeline by increasing rural student placements. Western NSW & Murrumbidgee LHDs created a first of its kind cross LHD team of Allied Health Educators to address the unique challenges faced by rural health services.
Prior to the pilot both LHDs had relatively low numbers of student placements, inconsistent spread of placements across sites and clinicians. Clinicians had little time to develop resources, innovative placement models or evaluate quality and student experience. Communication with universities was sporadic leading to missed opportunities and a decreased emphasis on rural placements.
The team have created a framework to address these issues, creating objectives to deliver resources, training, create networks and embed sustainable change to systems governing student placements.
Mid-way through, the pilot project outcomes are positive. Both LHDs have significantly increased the quantity of placements offered and number of clinicians engaged with placements. The quality of placements has been enhanced through support, mentoring, training, and resources. Students have reported positive placement experiences and better integration into rural life. Strong relationships have built between the Allied Health directorates of both LHDs leading to service improvement beyond the scope of this project. Impact on student intent to practice rurally after placement is evident in students applying for permanent positions on graduation.