Allied Health Student-Led Clinics: An Opportunity for Workforce Development

Abstract

Objective

The project evaluated multidisciplinary allied health student placements co-located within a rural general practice clinic.

Methods

Occupational therapy, social work and speech pathology placement students under discipline-specific supervision led an allied health clinic model servicing clients with diverse health needs.

Design

A cross-sectional survey design recording interventions, student and stakeholder experiences and client satisfaction was applied.

Setting

General Practice clinics in MMM 4–6 regions in Queensland.

Participants

Between February and July 2024, 10 students completed placements within the student-led clinic, working with clients.

Main Outcomes Measure

Descriptive statistics were used to summarise clients' demographics, satisfaction and the services provided using SPSS version 29.0. Qualitative survey responses were analysed using Nvivo.

Results

Student-led allied health services co-located within a general practice clinic benefited rural communities by providing increased access to allied health services and a holistic approach to health care. Student-led allied health services alleviated the work burden for general practitioners (GPs) in a rural health care setting.

Conclusion

Multidisciplinary allied health student placements within a rural GP clinic benefited rural and remote communities through increased access to allied health services. Further research is needed to investigate interdisciplinary models of care and sustainable funding streams.