Improved pathways to Physiotherapy for First Nations Students
Felicity Prebble1, Peta Sullivan2, Lauren Peters2, Michelle Grant11Mater Health , South Brisbane, QLD, Australia2Mater Education, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Abstract
At Mater, we are committed to providing inclusive, respectful, safe, and culturally immersed environments for our consumers and Mater People. During a recent internal review process, the Physiotherapy leadership team noted that our current representation of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander workforce presence within our service was lacking.
In alliance with the Mater’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and its commitment to improving the health and well-being of First Nations people through the Southeast Queensland First Nations Health Equity Strategy, this quality improvement project aimed to provide clearer pathways and experiences for First Nations high school students to enter a profession of healthcare.
By providing increased opportunity, our long-term goal is to bridge the gap in the proportion of First Nations Physiotherapists and Assistants present in our team. As a secondary aim we hope to increase cultural awareness and improve the standard of care received by our First Nations patients at Mater Health.
After stakeholder engagement with local schools and the First Nations Allied Health Director (AHPOQ 2022), a gap in current support pathways for First Nations students was identified, outside of current facilitated nursing programs. A pilot program was initiated through the development of a partnership between Mater Foundation, Mater Education and Mater Health to fund First Nation’s high school students to attend a 1-day health career modelling program. Further mentoring and assistance was provided to pursue Allied Health Assistant Certificate 3/4 training, bachelor degree enrolment with partner universities, and the development of Mater Physiotherapy-based First Nations trainee opportunities.
Biography
Felicity Prebble is the advanced practice physiotherapist in cardio-respiratory, with a keen interest in developing clearer and more accessible pathways for students into careers in healthcare. After completing the Mater’s first Allied Health simulation fellowship and receiving a Graduate Certificate in Health Professions Education in Boston, she continued her work in education as the Allied Health Education Coordinator. She secured funded opportunities for First Nation’s students to attend the High School Health Adventure program, to foster and develop a potential interest in a career in Physiotherapy, and ultimately improve the statistics of First Nation’s healthcare workers into the future.