Mrs Rachel Corea1, Ms Jacinta Re1
1Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
Abstract:
A key driver for introducing the Clinical Practice Innovation Lead (CPIL) role to Social Work (SW) teams was the pandemic response which saw significant workforce shortages and capacity issues across the profession and the need to enhance practice in the health setting along with minimal output of quality improvement and research activities.
This role was designed to build capability of SW with quality improvement projects and research activities, and support education and training. The role was conceptualized and reports directly to the SW Head of Profession in order to ensure it is positioned at a senior level, meets strategic and operational priorities and can also influence the leadership team across the sites.
The CPIL role oversees the development of the Workforce Clinical Educator (WCE)role within SW for the first time, to support development of a needs-led education program for SW clinicians.
This study uses a mixed methods approach, inclusive of focus groups, comparison data of the post and pre survey in relation to Professional Development (PD)program, and number of qualitative initiative/research projects within SW teams.
As the CPIL role is new for the profession of SW and there is limited research in this area, it is crucial to assess the impact of this role on both the PD and skill enhancement of SW clinicians in bed-based settings. Additionally, evaluating its role in supporting quality improvement initiatives will be essential for understanding its effectiveness and contributions to improving clinical practices and outcomes, and fostering culture of evidence-based practice within SW teams.