Abstract
Introduction
Retention of allied health professionals in rural areas remains problematic. Adequately supporting rural allied health professionals to access and undertake professional development may contribute to increased retention in these areas. This study explored the effectiveness of the Commonwealth-funded Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship and Support Scheme (NAHSSS) in supporting allied health professionals to undertake professional development.
Methods
A qualitative approach using thematic analysis was utilised to explore the perspectives of allied health professions who successful obtained NAHSSS funding to undertake either continuing professional development or postgraduate studies. Nine semi-structured interviews were undertaken. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and individually analysed to identify key themes.
Results
Three major themes emerged: Expanding my professional knowledge; supporting those around me; and impacting on my community. The ability to access professional development funding enabled allied health professionals to become more highly skilled in areas of allied health practice such as primary health care, aged care, mental health and indigenous health. This directly resulted in expanding their professional expertise to enable them to better meet the needs of their rural communities. It also provided opportunities to mentor and support work colleagues which contributed to their overall work satisfaction.
Discussion
Participants perceived that the professional development support via the NAHSSS program had a significant impact and actively contributed to allied health professionals remaining in rural areas for a longer period.
Conclusion
It is clear, ongoing funding opportunities are needed for rural allied health professionals to access quality professional development to support retention within these areas.
Retention of allied health professionals in rural areas remains problematic. Adequately supporting rural allied health professionals to access and undertake professional development may contribute to increased retention in these areas. This study explored the effectiveness of the Commonwealth-funded Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship and Support Scheme (NAHSSS) in supporting allied health professionals to undertake professional development.
Methods
A qualitative approach using thematic analysis was utilised to explore the perspectives of allied health professions who successful obtained NAHSSS funding to undertake either continuing professional development or postgraduate studies. Nine semi-structured interviews were undertaken. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and individually analysed to identify key themes.
Results
Three major themes emerged: Expanding my professional knowledge; supporting those around me; and impacting on my community. The ability to access professional development funding enabled allied health professionals to become more highly skilled in areas of allied health practice such as primary health care, aged care, mental health and indigenous health. This directly resulted in expanding their professional expertise to enable them to better meet the needs of their rural communities. It also provided opportunities to mentor and support work colleagues which contributed to their overall work satisfaction.
Discussion
Participants perceived that the professional development support via the NAHSSS program had a significant impact and actively contributed to allied health professionals remaining in rural areas for a longer period.
Conclusion
It is clear, ongoing funding opportunities are needed for rural allied health professionals to access quality professional development to support retention within these areas.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 28 Jul 2022 |
| Event | 14th SARRAH 2022 National Rural and Remote Allied Health Conference - Online Duration: 15 Nov 2022 → 16 Nov 2022 https://sarrah.org.au/cpd/sarrah-conferences/upcoming-conference https://sarrahconference.com.au/ (Conference website) https://web.archive.org/web/20221021054937/https://sarrahconference.com.au/home/program (2022 program) |
Conference
| Conference | 14th SARRAH 2022 National Rural and Remote Allied Health Conference |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | People, Purpose, Passion: Pathways to success |
| Period | 15/11/22 → 16/11/22 |
| Other | This year’s theme – People, Purpose Passion: Pathways to Success with the sub-themes of Growing and Sustaining the Rural Allied Health Workforce, Strengthening Partnerships, and Leading Change will provide collaborative opportunities for people live in rural and remote areas and work in allied health sector offering the chance to share knowledge, perspectives, and best practices. The aim of the conference program is to develop sustainable and resilient rural and remote communities and strengthen and support the allied health sector in rural and remote areas, so we can better together in the interest of the communities in rural and remote areas. We will utilise innovative and interactive ways of workshopping and sharing perspectives about how to best unpack the theories, research, and reports into actual practice in the workplace to benefit the allied health sector in rural and remote areas. |
| Internet address |