Ms Melissa Bartlett1, Ms Kylie Saccotelli1, Dr. Abby Foster1,2,3, Ms. Lucy Whelan1
1Monash Health, Clayton, Australia, 2LaTrobe University, Bundoora, Australia, 3Monash University, Clayton, Australia
Abstract:
Introduction:
The Allied Health Early Graduate Program has traditionally been offered to allied health professionals (AHPs) in their first year of practice. In 2024, the program was extended to Allied Health Assistants (AHA’s) to decrease perceived power imbalances and strengthen relationships between AHPs and AHAs.
Methods:
Stakeholder consultation was crucial prior to commencement of the trial. AHA learning needs identification and planning was undertaken. The program was aligned to the Victorian AHA workforce project recommendations and endorsed by local allied health leadership. AHAs in their first year of practice were then formally invited to join the program. A single focus group with AHA participants (n=3) was undertaken to evaluate the program. Analysis was undertaken using a thematic analysis approach.
Results:
Three main themes were identified: (1) Inclusion in the program gave AHA’s a sense of “belonging”; (2) AHAs indicated that participation enhanced their understanding of other allied health roles; (3) The AHA’s felt that their inclusion strengthened relationships with the AHP’s.
Discussion:
The experience of the first cohort of AHAs into the graduate program is still in its infancy. Evaluation thus far has indicated this has been successful. Further evaluation will take place again in 2025. It is recommended that all healthcare services consider incorporating AHA’s into their existing graduate programs.
Biographies:
Melissa Bartlett is the Allied Health Early Graduate Education Advisor at Monash Health in Victoria. Melissa has a Social Work background, having completed her Bachelor of Social Work at Monash University in 1998 and Masters of Work in 2004, also at Monash University. Melissa has worked in a variety of clinical social work roles throughout her career. In 2005 she commenced working at Monash Health as a Senior Clinician and set up the Emergency Department social work service at the newly opened Casey Hospital in Berwick. In 2007 she became the Social Work Manager at Casey Hospital and remained in that role for several years. She has been the Allied Health Early Graduate Education Advisor at Monash Health since October 2016 and is passionate in her role supporting Allied Health clinicians in their first year of practice. Melissa also currently holds the portfolios for Allied Health Traineeships and Allied Health Aboriginal Cadetships within Monash Health.
Kylie Saccotelli is the Allied Health Assistant and Support workforce Advisor at Monash Health. Kylie has worked at Monash health for over 13 years in various clinical roles as an Allied Health Assistant. Kylie has a keen interest in leadership opportunities, is a strong advocate for AHAs, and very excited about where the opportunity and progression for this workforce emerge. Kylie is the first AHA to hold this position at Monash Health and firmly believes that AHAs are ready to hold leadership roles in their own profession.