Miss Lilian Anderson1,2, Dr My Tran2, Dr Jinhu Li2, Prof Mark Cormack2
1Canberra Health Services, Australia, 2Australian National University, ACTON, Australia
Abstract:
Background and rationale:
A consistent source of allied health (AH) workforce data is critical for health workforce planning. However, there remains no consistent source and reliable source of speech pathology (SP) workforce data, in Australia and indeed the ACT.
Aims:
To collect information on demographic and employment characteristics of the SP workforce in the ACT and establish a data set of SPs in the ACT.
Methods:
A 21-question online survey was adapted and distributed by subject matter- and health workforce experts, based on existing workforce survey data for NRAS-regulated AH professionals, and previous AH and SP workforce surveys in other Australian health jurisdictions. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between demographic and employment characteristics.
Results:
The collected SP demographic and employment characteristics were largely consistent with 2021 Census data and Speech Pathology Australia estimates. However, our online survey provided greater granularity of where and what type of SP services being delivered in the ACT. Overall supply of SPs in public- and private sectors was comparable. Most SPs practiced in more advantaged areas. Fewer SPs practiced in areas with high proportions of people aged 0-14 years and 65 years and older.
Conclusion:
Locally, this methodology and measurement of SP workforce metrics will inform workforce planning to optimize timely access to SP services in the ACT. It also provides a data framework for other self-regulated professions. This study stands to support the implementation of recommendations from the recent Allied Health Scope of Practice Review.