The South Australian Allied Health Workforce survey: helping to fill the evidence gap in primary health workforce planning

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doi:10.1071/PY11027

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The South Australian Allied Health Workforce survey: helping to fill the evidence gap in primary health workforce planning

Deirdre Whitford ^A ^D, Tony Smith ^B and Jonathan Newbury ^C

^A School of Population Health and Clinical Practice, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
^B University Department of Rural Health and Rural Clinical School – Northern New South Wales, The University of Newcastle, Tamworth, NSW 2340, Australia.
^C Spencer Gulf Rural Health School, The University of Adelaide and The University of South Australia, University of South Australia, PO Box 3200, Port Lincoln, SA 5606, Australia.
^D Corresponding author. Email: dwhitford01@bigpond.com

Australian Journal of Primary Health 18(3) 234-241 http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/PY11027
Submitted: 4 March 2011 Accepted: 5 October 2011 Published: 7 December 2011





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Abstract

There is a lack of detailed evidence about the allied health workforce to inform proposed health care reforms. The South Australian Allied Health Workforce (SAAHW) survey collected data about the demographic characteristics, employment, education and recruitment and retention of allied health professionals in South Australia. The SAAHW questionnaire was widely distributed and 1539 responses were received. The average age of the sample was 40 years; males were significantly older than females, the latter making up 82% of respondents. Three-quarters of the sample worked in the city; 60% worked full time and the remainder in part-time, casual or locum positions. ‘Work–life balance’ was the most common attraction to respondents’ current jobs and ‘Better career prospects’ the most common reason for intending to leave. Practice in a rural location was influenced by rural background and rural experience during training. A greater proportion of Generation Y (1982–2000) respondents intended to leave within 2 years than Generation X (1961–81) or Baby Boomers (1943–60). Most respondents were satisfied with their job, although some reported lack of recognition of their knowledge and skills. Systematic, robust allied health workforce data are required for integrated and sustainable primary health care delivery.

Additional keywords: health reform, models of care, recruitment, retention.

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