Preparedness for practice and workplace support of newly qualified allied health professionals: A qualitative study

Allied health professionals (AHPs) constitute a significant part of the global healthcare workforce. It is important that AHPs are well prepared for practice to provide quality care for patients, for their personal wellbeing, and for workforce retention. In comparison to doctors, there has been strikingly limited research on AHPs preparedness for practice. The aim of this study was (1) to understand how well newly qualified AHPs were prepared for practice and (2) to investigate support in the workplace for newly qualified AHPs.

We conducted a national qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with multiple stakeholders across the UK. Sixty interviews were conducted with 61 participants across 15 professions newly qualified registrants (NQRs), practice supervisors/employers, and policymakers. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded in NVivo and analysed using a thematic framework approach.

NQRs were perceived to be well-prepared for their clinical practice and communication skills; however, some were not prepared for decision-making, leadership, putting theory into practice and knowledge base. Underpreparedness for management of caseloads due to workforce shortages was a notable concern. Support for NQRs in the workplace varied hugely in its availability and effectiveness, was influenced by team size, how established a team is, resources, and the policies of different employers/trusts. Support that is tailored to the needs of the individual NQR was most valued by participants.

There were more similarities than differences between perceptions of preparedness for practice of AHPs and other health professionals (e.g. doctors). If education providers and employers can better prepare and support NQRs in the workplace (proactive support measures) then this may contribute to fewer problems associated with mental health and well-being to resolve later (reactive support measures), e.g. at individual (impaired mental health) or system level (retention). This initial scene-setting research across all AHPs has identified pertinent issues for in-depth exploration.