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WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM AT A METROPOLITAN PAEDIATRIC HOSPITAL: ASSISTING RURAL AND METROPOLITAN ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS EXCHANGE CLINICAL SKILLS
Author(s) -
Parkin Ann E.,
McMahon Sandra,
Upfield Nancy,
Copley Jodie,
Hollands Karen
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
australian journal of rural health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.48
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1440-1584
pISSN - 1038-5282
DOI - 10.1046/j.1038-5282.2001.00383.x
Subject(s) - metropolitan area , work (physics) , rural area , medicine , medical education , health professionals , isolation (microbiology) , rural health , focus group , nursing , family medicine , business , health care , marketing , economic growth , mechanical engineering , microbiology and biotechnology , pathology , engineering , economics , biology
The needs of rural allied health professionals (AHPs) have been widely documented. In particular, problems of professional isolation, lack of professional development opportunities and limited support systems have been highlighted as problems associated with working in rural and remote areas. This research aimed to provide rural and remote AHPs with an opportunity to gain experience in paediatric clinical areas of their choice, to provide rural/remote and metropolitan AHPs with an opportunity to share clinical knowledge and expertise, and to develop networks between rural/remote and metropolitan AHPs. A clinical experience program was developed to meet these aims. Twenty‐nine AHPs from rural and remote areas of Queensland participated in the program. Participants completed questionnaires at the end of clinical experience program and 4–8 weeks after the visit. A focus group was also conducted. Analyses found the program met the majority of participants goals and expectations. Enhanced clinical skills in specialist paediatric areas, increased networking and access to resources were reported by rural/remote AHPs as benefits of the program. The role of a clinical consultant was found to be critical to the success of the program.