Ms Jennie Cusiter2, Ms Anna Hammond1
1Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Kiama, Australia, 2Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Randwick, Australia
Biography:
Anna is the Paediatric Speech Pathology Unit Head for Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD). With 13 years of experience in paediatric speech therapy, she has worked across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings. She is committed to evidence-based, family-centred care and improving outcomes for children across the health system.
Abstract:
The transition from student to professional can be challenging. Significant time is dedicated to training newly graduated clinicians in foundational professional and clinical practice areas annually across the state, with significant duplication of resources. Additionally, early career Speech Pathologists often struggle to access relevant and cost-effective professional development and to build strong clinical networks, which is amplified for clinicians in rural and remote areas. This project addressed these challenges by implementing a statewide education approach, sharing resources, and fostering connections. The evaluation examined the program’s reach, feasibility, and acceptability with a view to providing a translatable model for other allied health professions. A total of 40 early-career clinicians registered to attend the monthly online education sessions developed by senior clinicians from 10 Local Health Districts (LHDs). Topics were chosen in consultation with managers and senior clinicians to ensure an adequate range of foundational practice areas were targeted. These sessions addressed essential clinical skills, prompted reflective practice, and encouraged the integration of learning with current supervision processes. Pre-, mid-, and post-surveys and focus group discussions were used to evaluate the program’s effectiveness, reach, and feasibility. On average, 39 participants attended each session, with 94% expressing satisfaction, and 87% reporting a change in clinical practice. Results also showed the program increased confidence across all targeted clinical areas and that 100% of respondents would recommend the sessions to future clinicians. Presenting clinicians also benefited by having a platform to develop leadership skills by presenting at a statewide forum.