@article{1cc021cfbbad441ab726d7d615c6dad8,
title = "Responding to rural allied health workforce challenges in the public health system: Evaluation of the Allied Health Rural Generalist Pathway pilot in western New South Wales",
abstract = " Objective The Allied Health Rural Generalist Pathway pilot aimed to improve consistent access to physiotherapy services in rural communities using the “grow own” workforce strategy and existing resources. Design A summative evaluation of the quality improvement project used to implement the Allied Health Rural Generalist Pathway was completed. A mixed method design was used and included focus groups and a framework analysis. Participants The temporary redesign of specific workforce resources created “development” positions. A shared same-discipline supervisor resource supported five early-career physiotherapists, the participants. Setting The project was undertaken in rural New South Wales in the public health system. Main outcome measures The main outcome measures included a number of chronically vacant physiotherapy positions and stakeholder satisfaction. Results Targeted vacancies were filled, services sustained with minimal service gaps and mean retention rate of 2.9 years. A statistically significant increase in service activity to patients in rural locations occurred as a result of the intervention (R-squared 29%, P < .05). Four out of five early career physiotherapists fulfilled terms of their contract and secured senior positions within the region. Whilst participants developed professionally, they did not complete the tertiary education component. Conclusions The Allied Health Rural Generalist multi-factorial approach supported recruitment, retention and capacity building within the targeted discipline of the allied health workforce. Patient need was met. The rural pipeline capacity was developed. The pathway was complementary of existing NSW Health systems. Systemic change is needed to overcome inefficiencies experienced during implementation and to ensure sustainability. Further research to develop discipline-specific clinical training guidance through the stages of a rural allied health professionals{\textquoteright} career may be helpful. ",
keywords = "access, allied health, health service access, physiotherapy, rural workforce development",
author = "Ellen McMaster and Tegan Reid and Emily Farquhar and Duncan McMaster and David Buckley and Elyce Green",
note = "Funding Information: The project team would like to acknowledge the collaborative effort required to implement, develop and evaluate this project. They would like to acknowledge the resources and expertise from the following organisations: Ministry of Health, Clinical Excellence Commission and Health Education and Training Institute, Agency for Clinical Innovation, NSW Health, St Leonards, 2065; James Cook University, Townsville, 4810, Queensland; Charles Sturt University, Three Rivers University Department of Rural Health, Wagga Wagga, 2650; Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health (SARRAH), Deakin, ACT, 2600; Australian Physiotherapy Association, North Ryde, NSW, 2113; NSW Rural Doctors Network, Hamilton, 2303; and Royal North Shore Hospital Physiotherapy Department, St Leonards, 2065. They would also like to acknowledge Mr David Schmidt, Health Education Training Institute, New South Wales Health; Ms Catherine Maloney, Formerly Murrumbidgee Local Health District and currently CEO of SARRAH, ACT, 2600; Dr Ilsa Nielsen, Department of Health, Queensland (AHPOQ); Ms Sue Steele-Smith, Health Education Training Institute, New South Wales Health; Dr Robyn Adams, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland; and Ms Jill Ludford, Chief Executive, Murrumbidgee Local Health District for inspiration, expertise, leadership, collaboration or support. They would like to acknowledge the executive and operational Managers leading Allied Health staff in Murrumbidgee Local Health District during the course of the project, the MLHD physiotherapists and broader allied health team, medical, nursing and health support staff in the rural communities, Tumut, Temora, Deniliquin, Cootamundra, Leeton, Narrandera, West Wyalong, Tumbarumba, Batlow, Gundagai, Hillston Wagga Wagga Base Hospital and Griffith Base Hospital. The project team would like to acknowledge the collaborative effort required to implement, develop and evaluate this project. Particular thanks to the team that initiated the pilot, the experts that supported our endeavours, the participants (physiotherapists) who want to make a difference in rural health, the managers for driving and supporting change, the allied health rural generalists of the future, and the referrers, staff and patients who have shared this learning experience with us. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2021 National Rural Health Alliance Ltd.",
year = "2021",
month = oct,
day = "20",
doi = "10.1111/ajr.12797",
language = "English",
volume = "29",
pages = "701--720",
journal = "Australian Journal of Rural Health",
issn = "1440-1584",
publisher = "Wiley-Blackwell",
number = "5",
}
