Mrs Suzanne Ebert1, Prof Saravana Kumar, Ms Su-Ann Yeoh
1BHFLHN, , Australia
Biography:
Suzanne is the Advanced Clinical Education Lead for the Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network in South Australia. With extensive experience as a senior Social Work clinician, and in clinical education and leadership Suzanne has worked in both regional and metropolitan South Australia and interstate. She is passionate about elevating the contribution and talents of allied health in achieving positive consumer outcomes and a healthy workplace.
Abstract:
The recruitment and retention of allied health professionals (AHPs) in regional areas remains challenging, often due to limited career progression opportunities and inadequate support. Aiding retention and workforce capacity, the Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network Allied Health Transition to Clinical Leadership (TCL) Program launched in 2024 utilising a cyclical co-design methodology.
Harnessing support and development of ‘middle tier’ clinicians (experienced AHP2s/new emerging AHP3s), TCL applies the Rural Support Service (RSS) INVEST Clinical Leadership Framework and capability measure. The 2024 cohort comprised of 20 Participants and 16 Champions engaged in an interactive Workshop/resource package, 1:1 coaching/mentoring by Champions and, support for Quality Improvement initiatives with direct consumer service benefits.
A mixed method evaluation included quantitative data from pre/post self-assessment, 360-degree appraisals, and workshop content evaluations alongside qualitative insights and opportunities for program refinement from semi structured interviews.
Consistently positive findings were observed across the six clinical leadership domains of; Improve Self, Nurture Others, Value Teams, Engage Collaboratively, Strategic Outlook and Transforms Systems. Benefits included enhanced clinical leadership skills and knowledge, increased professional confidence, stronger interdisciplinary connection, improved knowledge translation and scaffolding to work at top of scope.
With strong evaluation data regarding value and relevance, Participants reflected on TCL's broad-ranging impacts, including feeling heard and valued, which contributed to retention. In addition to supporting Participants, Champions highlighted their own learnings and the program’s influence on their practices.
Grounded in best practice, the TCL Program successfully supports AHPs at career crossroads, contributing to retention, service improvements and healthcare leadership development.