Evaluation of CoreConnect: A Collaborative Professional Training Programme for Provisional Psychologists in Regional...

A major challenge in developing the psychology workforce is the time and cost of training and supervising provisional psychologists. CoreConnect was a pilot training programme provided for provisional psychologists, employed by one of four partnering organisations based in regional NSW. This study aimed to explore key stakeholders' perceptions of their outcomes and experiences with CoreConnect and collate recommendations for continuous improvement.

Community-based mental health services in Central West NSW, including private practices, not-for-profit and NSW Health organisations.

The study utilised a sample of 17 provisional psychologists, seven clinical supervisors and six employers involved with CoreConnect.

A qualitative descriptive approach was utilised. Data were collected using open-ended surveys and semi-structured interviews over the initial 12 months of the training programme.

Thematic analyses of interview transcripts and survey questions provided five key themes. CoreConnect was perceived to support the provisional psychologists' professional growth and confidence, accelerate their learning and applicability of skills to their professional practice, and promote peer connection and networking. CoreConnect was perceived to increase the attraction, recruitment and retention of provisional psychologists within participating organisations and enabled time and cost savings for supervisors and employers. Recommendations for improving CoreConnect were identified.

Key stakeholders indicated CoreConnect produced valued learning and professional outcomes for provisional psychologists, provided time and cost savings for supervisors and employers and assisted organisations to more efficiently develop and train their provisional psychologists. The CoreConnect model is likely to be useful for supporting mental health workforce development across Australia.