Raising visibility and cultivating value: A holistic approach to allied health workforce support in rural communities.
Gabriela Gauthier1 1RWAV, Docklands, VIC, Australia
Abstract
Allied health engagement emerged as an enhanced priority for Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV) in pursuit of our mission to deliver contemporary workforce development strategies that advance rural, regional and Aboriginal Victorians’ access to high-quality health care.
Method: An 18-month program of evidence-based allied health workforce and service development and support was established as an ongoing priority for the organisation.
The program involved four core pillars:
Engagement: direct, regular engagement with local practitioners and key stakeholders through multiple channels, including a virtual Rural Allied Health Primary Care Solutions Forum, and an online consultation proces
Advocacy: supporting allied health as a vital component of the rural healthcare system and channelling available funding and policy leavers to support access to affordable allied health care for people living in rural Victoria
Data: a state-wide review of allied health service delivery supply, demand, enablers and barriers to allied health service delivery and embed evaluation in program activities
Funding support: tailored allied health grants for practitioners and businesses, to enable additional services to be offered to rural communities
The impact of the program includes increased accessibility to allied health care for rural communities, enhanced understanding of the demand for allied health services by location and profession, and contributing to the body of evidence supporting the value and capability of rural allied health professionals.
The program provides a model for organisations seeking to increase investment into allied health and demonstrates the importance and success of targeted allied health workforce support models.
Biography
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