Development and Evaluation of Strategies to Support Rural Secondments for Junior Physiotherapists

AbstractPurposeRural workforce shortages are a national issue. One strategy is the use of secondments from larger healthcare sites to staff rural on rotational basis. The purpose this evaluation explore impact development, implementation an educational, training and supervision package for junior Physiotherapists undertaking in Northern NSW.Design/methodology/approachPre post training, education support across NSW. A baseline survey who had undertaken secondment previous 12 months defined current practice limitations. From targeted education, was developed. Post surveying period evaluate packages implementation.FindingsStatistically significant improvements reporting they felt supported were aware escalation processes patients under their care reported. Additionally seen reported access completing competencies relevant secondment.Research implicationsThese findings provide guidance regards working importance structured mechanisms.Practical implicationsThe work development plans prior secondments.Originality/valueThese evidence need target ensure confident setting.LimitationsLarger response rates results may result different outcomes being comparison pre results.