Exploring recruitment and retention drivers for Australian allied health professionals providing telehealth service delivery

Background:
Since the COVID pandemic, the use of telehealth services has increased increasing access to health services, including allied health services. However, little is known about what factors attract allied health practitioners to work in telehealth. Additionally, there are no studies that focus on recruitment and retainment factors for allied health practitioners working with organisations solely providing on-line therapy across diverse geographic areas in Australia.

Methods:
A mixed-methods approach was chosen using an on-line survey, followed by semi-structured interviews. All allied health practitioners, working with a registered on-line allied health therapy provider, were invited to participate. Survey data were analysed using descriptive frequencies. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis to identify key themes.

Results:
30 allied health practitioners took part in the survey and 15 interviews were completed. Flexibility of work hours, the ability to work from home, feeling valued by clients and work/life balance were key factors that attracted and retained allied health practitioners to work in telehealth. Three major themes emerged from interviews: demystifying telehealth practice; enabling the delivery of person-centred care; and building clinician capability in an on-line organisation.

Implications:
One of the key attractions to telehealth is the flexibility this type of approach provides for allied health practitioners. The ability to work from home or from a variety of settings and locations enhances work-life balance. Providing a therapeutic service that is valued by clients, across diverse geographic areas, particularly in rural and remote communities, was a key driver. Additionally, participants valued the ability to access a diverse skillset and experience across the on-line organisation to further support their own professional development.
Participants discussed how the scope of quality telehealth delivery is misunderstood. Focusing on strategies that support greater awareness of quality telehealth, including a pipeline of allied health graduates, may improve community perceptions of telehealth and supplement future recruitment strategies to telehealth.
Allied health practitioners working solely in telehealth are at risk of feeling isolated, which may be mitigated by fostering a connected and supportive on-line community of practice. Ongoing commitment to career progression and clear pathways for advancement and personal development, can enhance job satisfaction and retention of skilled staff.
The insights provided by this study may be used to enhance the attractiveness of telehealth for allied health practitioners, paving the way for a more resilient and more accessible healthcare system.