Drivers of retention (and attrition) in a metropolitan health service: Understanding the allied health workforce
Debra Mitchell1, Abby Foster1,2,3, Simone Munro2 1Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia2Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia3La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Abstract
Background: Workforce challenges are straining allied health (AH). The national shortage of AH professionals is impacted by population changes, emerging models of care, and educational limitations. Shortages have been exacerbated by COVID-19. Prior examinations of AH push and pull factors have focused on regional/remote areas. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing AH retention and attrition within a metropolitan healthcare network, in the context of the global pandemic.
Method: A cross-sectional, online 51-item survey was distributed to all AH employees of a single metropolitan healthcare network. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, while qualitative data was analysed using inductive content analysis.
Results: The final sample included 593 participants (38.7% response rate). Intention to leave their current role was reported by 35% of respondents. A multiple logistic regression was run to predict the intention to leave from the independent variables. The variables associated with intending to leave were; (a) not feeling a sense of satisfaction with the role (51%; 95% CI [.22, .85]), (b) not being recognised and rewarded by the team manager (37%; 95% CI [.12, .67]), (c) not working in the preferred clinical area (56%; 95% CI [.25, .95]), and (d) feeling burned out by the job (44%; 95% CI [.16, .78]).
Discussion: These findings enhance our understanding of key factors affecting AH retention in a metropolitan healthcare setting. While findings are likely to be significantly impacted by the effects of COVID-19, they can inform priority setting and the design of tailored workforce interventions.
Biography
Dr Abby Foster has extensive experience providing services in public health. The Allied Health Research Advisor at Monash Health, Abby also holds adjunct appointments at La Trobe and Monash Universities. Abby’s research is collaborative and multidisciplinary, and she is a qualitative research nerd
Simone Munro, a speech pathologist, is an experienced ‘people person’. With over a decade of experience in public health she brings strong change management and improvement skills to her role as Allied Health Workforce Advisor at Monash Health. She delivers large scale programs of change to ensure Allied Health is ready for the future