Mrs Becky George1
1Auckland University of Technology, Christchurch, Aotearoa / New Zealand
Biography:
Becky is a well-known allied health clinician in Aotearoa New Zealand's digital health landscape. As a clinical digital health specialist, she offers guidance to the health and disability sector, particularly in clinical digital governance and technological innovation. Previously holding a national health systems leadership position at Health NZ, her focus included the quality and safety of new technologies for healthcare professionals nationwide. An occupational therapist and HiNZ Fellow, Becky aims to implement lasting change through the robust governance of digital health benefits. Her recently completed doctoral research highlights her dedication to empowering allied health clinicians into health systems leadership roles.
Abstract:
A recently completed doctoral research study investigated how allied health clinicians in Aotearoa New Zealand are enabled to assume health systems leadership roles. Identifying a gap in the research field of allied health leadership, and drawing on existing literature and qualitative interviews, the study explored the enablers and barriers to health systems leadership as experienced by these clinicians. Participants shared meaningful experiences of stepping into health systems leadership roles and provided a wealth of data for reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes were developed from the participants’ diverse experiences: the leader within, finding the next step, overcoming systemic bias, and at the mercy of organisational infrastructure.
This study highlighted a culture of systemic bias and inequitable access to leadership development for allied health clinicians in contrast to their medical and nursing colleagues. The study’s recommendations urge health organisations and those in health systems governance to validate allied health systems leadership, to develop and invest in their leadership capabilities, promote inclusion and equity, and enhance organisational infrastructure to endorse their health systems leadership career progression. This research study contributes new knowledge and informs practice within the allied health workforce and the broader healthcare system. Attendees will learn about how allied health clinicians are enabled into health systems leadership roles and how the recommendations could impact systemic change to practice.