Continuing professional development training needs of allied health professionals in regional and rural Victoria

The aim of the study was to identify continuing professional development (CPD) needs of allied health professionals (AHP) in regional and rural Victoria.

This study was an online cross-sectional design conducted between December 2022 and February 2023.

AHPs employed at a large multi-site regional public health service providing acute, subacute, community and outpatient care in Victoria, Australia.

The online questionnaire included four sections investigating satisfaction of CPD, prioritised topics for CPD, preference for CPD sourcing and perceived capabilities in delivering education. To investigate prioritised topics of CPD, a tool was adapted from the Hennessy Hicks Training Needs Analysis questionnaire to align with allied health (AH) career pathways. For organisational alignment, a second questionnaire was sent to AH managers.

The response rate was 17% (53/316 AHPs) from members of 10 AH professions. The median years of clinical experience for participants was between 2 and 5 years. Participants with 6-10 years of clinical experience reported the lowest level of satisfaction. Research and education were identified as areas of highest training need. Self-perceived competence in education delivery was proportionately lower in areas of assessment, developing digital learning and constructive alignment.

CPD needs for AHPs in a regional and rural health service were shown to vary by career stage and weighted towards developing research and education delivery capabilities. Findings from this study may support public health sector and policy investment in CPD opportunities to support horizontal career progression opportunities, a balance of internal and externally sourced professional development and strategic investment in education delivery capabilities.