Dr Alison Dymmott1, A/Prof Chris Barr1, Prof Chris Brebner1, A/ Prof Rachel Milte1, Kiri Lay1
1Flinders University, Australia
Biography:
Dr Alison Dymmott is the Academic Lead, Rural Allied Health at Flinders University. Ali is an occupational therapist, senior lecturer and researcher specialising in rural and remote health, workforce, training and generalist practice. Ali’s research investigates allied health initiatives to improve the lives of people in rural and remote communities. Ali is leading the implementation of co-designed rural occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology degrees in South Australia with a strong focus on interprofessional practice and is undertaking research projects investigating their effectiveness in supporting workforce outcomes.
Abstract:
Introduction:
Health outcomes in regional areas are lower than the national average, and development and retention of health workforce is key to address health inequalities. This research explores the impacts of an innovative interprofessional allied health course delivered in regional Australia.
Methods:
Mixed methods research approaches have been utilised to investigate the impacts of a place-based education program in rural areas. Focus groups were undertaken with students enrolled in the program and quantitative university outcome data was also collected. Focus group data was analysed deductively, and outcome data was described descriptively alongside relevant Australian Bureau of Statistics data.
Results:
The Bachelor of Allied Health is in its second year of implementation with high demand for all three professions. The majority of students have a low socioeconomic status and are first in family. Students have a rural background and intend to work in rural areas on graduation. Students have reported that without the local program they would not have had the opportunity to study allied health. The flexible step in step out options are enablers for local students.
Discussion:
The Bachelor of Allied Health is an innovative evidence-based community embedded model of tertiary qualification delivery in rural South Australia. Success is evidenced by demand, local feedback, and provisional accreditation. The long-term aim is to develop a sustainable and financially viable workforce in rural communities. Ongoing outcomes will be evaluated as the program rolls out. Key to the continued success of the program is ongoing partnership with and feedback from local communities.