NSW Health Allied Health Workforce Modelling
Karla Armson1, Hassan Kadous1, Isaac Cockroft1
1Ministry Of Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Abstract
Background:
The Allied Health Workforce Modelling (AHWM) to 2040 project was a MoH, WPTD branch initiative, co-led by the Allied Health Unit and the Workforce Modelling and Planning Unit. Analysis of the workforce supply scenarios for entrants into the public allied health workforce (including graduates) and demand projections within NSW Health workforce to replace exiting workers was a key driver for this project, as was ensuring the availability of sustainable health services both now and into the future.
Method:
An AHWM pilot commenced in Dec21, which provided learnings to refine the modelling methodology and project approach for Allied Health. In 2022, twenty-two NSW Health allied health workforces were engaged as part of the workforce modelling process. The focus from engagement was about informing and contextualising the allied health workforce models and projected demand – which for the first time, included NSW Health internal allied health data sources. The main project deliverable was an AHWM factsheet – with extensive consultation prior to publication to ensure alignment with current experience and contemporary issues.
Results:
The project achieved its three core objectives:
1.Model the NSW Allied Health workforces to establish indicative workforce requirements to 2040
2.Understand workforce supply of the allied health professions
3.Provide data to assist the MoH and LHDs/SHNs to make informed decisions regarding future workforce planning
Discussion
The project delivers on incredible outcomes that continue to drive the next phase of work including, a post implementation review and strategic workforce planning initiatives such as: input into the NSW Health allied health workforce dashboard, presentation to tertiary education sector and sharing with the Commonwealth.
There is significant opportunity for other states and jurisdictions to learn from this project, including the benefits of delivering their own AHWM to support state based strategic workforce planning for the allied health workforce.
Biography
Karla Armson works at the NSW MoH in the WPTD Branch. Karla has worked in NSW Health for almost two decades. She is an Occupational Therapist by clinical background having graduated with first class Honours from Sydney University. Karla has a Master’s in Health Management from the UNSW. She has experience and success working within LHD redevelopment and has also led several workforce and quality and safety projects both at LHD and State Level. She is an Allied Health advocate and is passionate about strategic workforce planning, future models of care and system delivery of value based health care.
Dr Hassan Kadous is a health professional passionate about system transformation and health system equity. He studied Exercise Physiology & Physiotherapy at Sydney University and has completed a Doctorate of Health Business Administration focusing on the needs of CALD Communities. His career spans clinical leadership, facility, district and statewide project and team management. He has successfully led attaining a $34 million dollar allied health workforce investment from NSW Government and lead the NSW Health Airport response during COVID. He currently leads the Allied Health Portfolio at the NSW Health Workforce Branch, focusing on the pipeline, current and future workforces.