Navigating the path towards a sustainable health workforce
In our latest Member Masterclass, Professor Alison McMillan shares insights into the opportunities and challenges in the current health workforce.
As Australia’s health landscape continues to evolve, the need for effective workforce management and sustainable planning is paramount. The Care Workforce Labour Market Study estimates that the future demand for care will outgrow workforce supply and a workforce gap of approximately 212,000 full-time equivalent positions will emerge.
Our recent Member Masterclass with Improvement Academy Director, Associate Professor Bernie Harrison, and Professor Alison McMillan PSM sparks conversation on some of the pressing workforce issues facing the healthcare industry currently. As the Commonwealth Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Professor McMillan shared some insights into this highly topical issue.
Safeguarding Australia’s future health workforce
Workforce management is a complex and multifaceted issue. It encompasses the strategic allocation of healthcare professionals to ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care, all while balancing staff support and well-being. Our conversation with Professor McMillan sheds light into some of the key issues currently underpinning our health workforce including work flexibility, nursing scope of practice, organisational culture, and the implications of technology on healthcare.
“In my view it's about making sure that we're continuously reviewing and revisiting our systems to make sure that we're not stuck in old ways of doing things,” said Professor McMillan.
On the future workforce, Professor McMillan raised the issue of student poverty and how it impacts on health students undergoing clinical practice requirements. Clinical placement experience is crucial and Professor McMillan mentions the need to carefully consider different models for higher education to be made more accessible and affordable.
Discussions also highlighted the need for developing stronger professional structures and career paths for nurses, particularly in primary and aged care.
“Nurses need to be supported in their early learning to make a career choice into primary care and aged care," said Professor McMillan.
We thank Professor McMillan for her time and sharing her insights on this important topic.
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The Improvement Academy regularly host member exclusive Member Masterclasses that feature an influential public figure who have led key projects, research and/or field work within the healthcare space.
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Our Improvement Academy Director, Assoc Professor Bernie Harrison, will be in conversation with Mr Ben Chiarella on the topic of Unlocking the Potential of Virtual Care. Click to register here
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