Deakin University
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Using a delphi process to extend a rural mental health workforce recruitment initiative

Version 2 2024-06-13, 09:38
Version 1 2016-02-08, 10:47
journal contribution
posted on 2024-06-13, 09:38 authored by J Willems, K Sutton, D Maybery
Purpose – The Gippsland Mental Health Vacation School program has been shown to positively change student participants’ interest and attitudes to living and working in a rural area. A range of factors are impacting on the future viability of the initiative including: limitations on the number of student participants, the reusability of content, staffing, time pressures, a dwindling funding base, and a drop-off in interest in living and working in a rural setting. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – A three-phase Delphi Study was employed to engage with expert knowledge of the program’s key stakeholder groups (student participants and service provider staff) in order to inform the initial steps of shifting the program toward a blended model, distributed across space and time. Findings – The results suggest that: first, the current mode of delivery, a week-long intensive face-to-face format, should be transitioned to a more sustainable blended learning approach that includes both on-line content and an in situ component; and second, trailing the use of social media as a mechanism to maintain student interest in rural mental health work following the vacation school. Originality/value – This study highlights how the transition to a sustainable approach to the delivery of a novel rural mental health workforce recruitment strategy was informed through a three-phase Delphi Study that involved the key stakeholders (groups of student participants and service provider staff). The study has important implications for addressing the shortage of mental health practitioners in rural areas. It will and be of interest to educators, administrators, researchers and bureaucrats.

History

Journal

Journal of mental health training, education and practice

Volume

10

Pagination

91-100

Location

Bingley, Eng.

ISSN

1755-6228

eISSN

2042-8707

Language

eng

Publication classification

C Journal article, C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2015, Emerald Group Publishing

Issue

2

Publisher

Emerald Group Publishing