Statewide Allied Health Workforce Education Program

In 2007 the Department of Human Services is piloting a Statewide Allied Health Workforce Education Program. The Program seeks to support the continuing professional development needs of Victoria's allied health workforce and is part of a suite of initiatives being implemented by the department to improve the recruitment and retention of the allied health workforce.

The Statewide Allied Health Workforce Education Program is being delivered on behalf of the Department of Human Services by Greater Green Triangle University Department of Rural Health (www.greaterhealth.org). The program is an extension of a successful education program already implemented in the Barwon South Western region of Victoria.

Program Content

In 2007, the Program will comprise four key components:

Interprofessional clinical presentations and workshops;
Generic educational presentations to support clinical leadership, intra- and inter professional teamwork and evidence-based practice;
Presentations on population health and cultural safety in clinical practice; and
Self-management, team management and leadership skills training modules for allied health practitioners

Delivery Methods

Each of the components will be delivered through face-to-face sessions in selected rural locations. In addition the program will be delivered through the following means:

Via videoconferencing networks as available
Via the internet by streaming the session as it is occurring live
Via the internet at any time after the event. All recorded sessions will be available for download through the website for an indefinite period. This will enable practitioners who are unable to attend or access the session live to gain access at a time that is convenient to them.
Via CD ROM where requested by practitioners.

Target audience

Topics are of interest to most allied health disciplines (ALL), although some sessions are better suited to specified disciplines. For example, physiotherapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), podiatry (POD). Speech Pathology (SP). Students are welcome to attend.

Cost

No cost. The program is funded by the Victorian Department of Human Services.

Venue

Presentations are delivered throughout the State. Venues are likely to be local public health agencies.

Times

Times can fluctuate depending on regional preferences per discipline, or presenter's availability (for clarity, e.g., 09.00-12.00 is a morning session, 13.00-17.00 is an afternoon session, and 17.00 - 21.00 is an evening session).

Video conference

The presentations will be broadcast live via e-conference via the members portal. Presentations are recorded and can be accessed retrospectively via the same website, or via CD ROM. In addition, a limited number of sites are available for accessing presentations by the video conference network in the host region.

Participation

To participate in the program, members will need to register and create a user profile (details coming soon). Registration will enable access to live and on-demand broadcast of sessions as well as one or more virtual chat rooms being developed to facilitate professional networking. The members area will also allow participants to provide pre and post presentation information to assist with program evaluation and help ensure program development is in line with the needs of the target audience.

The program does not seek to duplicate any support currently being provided by other organisations or institutions, but rather seeks to enhance and increase access by practitioners to professional support, particularly those working in rural and remote locations. Access to the program is free for Victorian health practitioners.

The members area is currently under development but will be available soon.