Co-design to shape staff development opportunities and supports: The Western Health model to advance the skills of allied health professionals and enhance career pathways.
Emily Ramage1, Rebecca Tivendale1, Christopher Weiers1, Laura Browning1, Danielle Hitch1,2, Helen Nelson1, Sharon Neale1, Courtney Pocock1, Alison Qvist1, Blackshaw Julia1, Catherine Said1,3,4 1Western Health, St Albans, VIC, Australia2Deakin University, Geelong , VIC, Australia3The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia4Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Science, St Albans , VIC, Australia
Abstract
Background: Opportunities for career pathway development can enhance quality of care. We developed a model to advance the skills of allied health professionals and enhance career pathways (the WHAM) to facilitate best care at Western Health.
Method: Four-stage co-design using an integrated knowledge translation approach. Collectively, the research team involved senior allied health professionals across a variety of disciplines with experience in management, strategy, education, digital, practice and research. In Stage 1 the research team defined the research questions and process. Stages 2-4 involved the research team and stakeholder participants identifying key elements of the WHAM; developing the WHAM prototype; and identifying aspects for adaptation to optimise its relevance and potential for implementation.
Results: Thirty-nine key stakeholder participants across Western Health were recruited in the development of the WHAM. Essential components of the WHAM include four key areas to facilitate career pathways: personal development planning, mentorship and networking, workplace opportunities and experience, and further education and training. Concurrently, time for prioritised tasks; resources; advocacy for allied health; role flexibility; a collaborative approach; and innovation are important supports included in the model.
Discussion: The WHAM is now driving several key initiatives, including a mentorship program and performance development redesign for allied health. We perceive the co-design of our model has facilitated relevant, useable outcomes to improve career pathways and care at Western Health. Future research is needed to confirm the benefits of co-design of allied heath development supports.
Biography
Dr Emily Ramage is the Allied Health Research and Knowledge Translation Lead at Western Health, Implementation Research Associate the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and a trainee member of the international Integrated Knowledge Translation Research Network. Emily has over 15 years clinical experience as a physiotherapist, has a keen interest in Allied Health career development and has published a number of peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters in the area of co-design.