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.