When training is not enough
Liza-Jane McBride and Laura Morrison, Allied Health Professions’ Office of Queensland, Department of Health Background
A key recommendation from the Queensland Ministerial taskforce on health practitioner expanded scope of practice was that the Allied Health Professions’ Office of Queensland (AHPOQ), in partnership with education providers, facilitate access to training to support allied health professionals to expand their scope of practice. For some models of care, training may be a mandatory requirement for credentialing, for others it is an enabler, enhancing the confidence to undertake new tasks or upskilling the existing workforce. AHPOQ has provided training support for expanded scope models including prescribing for podiatrists, pharmacists and physiotherapists; pathology requesting; image interpretation; primary contact allied health vestibular services; and radiographer commenting.
Results
A total of 305 training places have been supported.
Immediate post-training feedback (n=170) Percent of respondents who agreed:
85%
Training improved my knowledge
78% 75%
Training improved my confidence Training was useful and relevant to my current practice
Change in practice Intention to change immediate posttraining: % of responses (n=136)
Actual change at 6 months posttraining: % of responses (n=57)
Standardised surveys are sent to participants on completion of training with a follow up survey at six months specifically capturing application of learning to practice.
Index
Using a consistent evaluation framework has facilitated an action learning cycle approach to modify training to support redesigned models of care for allied health professions. The training was effective in improving the knowledge and confidence of participants in the content area. The training has accentuated to some participants the complexity and high level of skill and knowledge required for the new model of care. The six month post-training evaluations have highlighted barriers to intended changes to practice beyond those related to training that need to be considered alongside future training provision and timing if these models are to be successfully implemented.
Lessons learned o
o
Methods
To support consistent evaluation of training, an evaluation framework examining inputs, reach, outputs, impacts and outcomes was developed. Training data are captured on training impact using Kirkpatrick’s model.
Discussion
o Barriers to change Perceived barriers to intention to change (immediate post-training) • Lack of organisational support • Current workflow does not support expanded scope • Insufficient level of training (upper limb image interpretation)
o Barriers to actual change (6 months post-training) • Local level governance processes – time and complexity • Lack of organisational support • Changes to service structure
An action learning cycle approach is effective in enabling evolution of training to best meet training needs. Using survey participant codes for matched responses in follow up surveys provides more meaningful data. Training continues to be perceived as a significant component of successful implementation of new models of care. However, data suggest that non-training barriers are a significant factor in successful implementation of new models of care.
Contact: Liza-Jane McBride
Team Leader Allied Health
[email protected]