Mr Dylan Wilson1, Ms Lauren Saurbrey2, Mr Dylan Woolford2
1Rural Support Service, SA Health, Australia, 2Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network, SA Health, Australia
Abstract:
Background of the project:
South Australian regional local health network (LHN) peri-urban allied health professionals (AHPs) are developing their rural generalist skills through the Allied Health Rural Generalist Pathway (AHRGP). ‘Rural generalist’ describes a clinician equipped to respond to the broad range of healthcare needs of a rural community. Peri-urban health service sites occur when urban growth creates ‘hybrid landscapes’ of fragmented urban and rural characteristics. These communities have dynamic needs created by ongoing projected population growth. Peri-urban health services must be adaptable and diverse to work with broad consumer clinical presentations, in high demand services, delivered in numerous environments.
Method:
The AHRGP has been implemented in South Australian regional LHNs since 2019. It has been evaluated through a mixed methods evaluation, cost-benefit analysis, career progression survey and qualitative AHP trainee feedback. AHRGP outcomes specific to the peri-urban setting are explored through anecdotal observation and feedback.
Results:
AHRGP outcomes highlight clinician benefits that include increased confidence, competence, evidence-based practice skills, service development skills, leadership skills and positive career progression trends. Organisational benefits include increased workforce skills, reduced staff turnover, reduced recruitment costs and quality improvement opportunities through AHP trainee projects. These rural generalist practice benefits are valuable within the peri-urban context, which is supported by anecdotal feedback and observation.
Discussion:
The AHRGP is a development pathway to grow AHP clinicians’ rural generalist capabilities and the services in which they operate. Rural generalist practice supports peri-urban healthcare challenges to improve care for consumers.