Description
The Australian Government has developed the National Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander Health Workforce Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan 2021-2031
which recognizes that “an appropriately skilled, available and responsive Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander health workforce is critical for an efficient national health system”. It
aims for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to represent 3.43% of the national
health workforce by 2031. In 2021, there were no Aboriginal audiometrists in Australia
and the completion rate of the TAFE Diploma of Audiometry was 51%. To improve this
completion rate by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, we have designed a
culturally safe clinical training program modelled on the Gwynne et al. seven-step model
of vocational education for Aboriginal students and the Master of Clinical Audiology
program at Macquarie University. The program development team worked in respectful
collaboration with Aboriginal communities throughout NSW to develop the program in a
culturally safe way. Unlike an apprentice model, this program accelerates skill
development, supports completion, and works with Aboriginal Medical Services to
develop sustainable ear and hearing care services. This wraparound cultural and
audiological support and expertise, together with a combination of multiple stakeholders,
presents an innovative approach to building a workforce that is culturally safe and highly
skilled. This presentation will provide a cost-consequence analysis of the pilot program
and a scaled-up version of the initiative. Overall, the positive consequences of scaling the
program to increase the Aboriginal workforce and allow more timely care for children with
otitis media justify the costs.
| Period | 28 Aug 2024 → 30 Aug 2024 |
|---|---|
| Event title | Otitis Media Australia (OMOZ) |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Newcastle, Australia, New South WalesShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | National |