Resident and Family Carer Perspectives on the Impact of Allied Health Student Placements on Service Delivery to Residents in Northern NSW Aged Care Homes: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objective

To explore the perceptions of rural residential aged care home (RACH) residents and family carers about the integration of allied health students in service delivery, and its impact on residents' health and wellbeing.

Setting

Two rural RACHs in Northern NSW, where allied health students (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Nutrition and Dietetics and Social Work) attended rural clinical placements and were integrated in service delivery for residents.

Participants

Twelve residents who received student-integrated services from the RACHs and five family carers.

Design

This was a qualitative evaluation. Residents and family carers were approached to participate in a semi-structured interview. Interviews were recorded, and audio interviews were transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to generate themes and sub-themes.

Results

Three themes, each with several sub-themes, emerged from the interview data. The first theme was facilitators of effective care, and sub-themes were: modes of services, team-based approach and continuity of care. Continuity of care between successive groups of students was identified as an aspect of placement that requires improvement. The second theme presented how residents' functional abilities and emotional wellbeing improved after participating in student-led assessments and interventions. The third theme was participants' satisfaction with the students' competency and professionalism in delivering services.

Conclusion

From the perspectives of residents and family carers, allied health student placements can enhance service provision in rural RACHs in Northern NSW. These placements offer potential to grow the rural allied health workforce and assist in meeting the health service needs of older rural adults within the region.