scholarly journals 'All these allied health professionals and you're not really sure when you use them': insights from Australian international medical graduates on working with allied health

2011 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pam D. McGrath ◽  
David Henderson ◽  
John Tamargo ◽  
Hamish A. Holewa
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Multidisciplinary Care ◽  
International Medical ◽  
International Medical Graduates ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Medical Graduates ◽  
Readiness To Learn

Objective. This paper presents the findings of research which explored how International Medical Graduates (IMGs) understand and integrate with the allied health system in relation to multidisciplinary care. Methods. An open-ended, exploratory qualitative design comprised of thirty (n = 30) open-ended, in-depth interviews with IMGs employed in a public hospital in Queensland, Australia. Results. Many IMGs have no experience with allied health support in their country of origin. Multidisciplinary collaboration is a new concept for IMGs integrating into the Australia healthcare system. Learning about the allied health system, including how to work effectively within the context of the multidisciplinary team, is an important topic that needs to be addressed as a matter of priority. Conclusions. There is a strong need to focus on improving strategies for integrating IMGs into the allied health system. In particular, IMGs require information to help them understand the roles and referral processes associated with interfacing with the allied health system. What is known about the topic? To date, there is no research available on the important topic of how IMGs understand and integrate with the allied health system in relation to multidisciplinary care in the Australian healthcare system. What does this paper add? The present findings make an important contribution to the literature by highlighting the need to focus on integrating IMGs into the allied health system. The findings presented in this paper indicate that, for the range of reasons summarised the IMGs’ understanding of the allied health system is limited. What are the implications for practitioners? The IMGs in this study called for assistance in understanding the allied health system, a process they considered difficult to do on their own. The strong recommendation is that it is most appropriate for allied health professionals in the hospital to take such leadership, and such efforts will be met by a readiness to learn on the part of the IMGs.

Experience of clinical supervisors of international medical graduates in an Australian district hospital

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 365 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Henderson ◽  
Pam D. McGrath ◽  
Mary Anne Patton
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare System ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
District Hospital ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
International Medical ◽  
International Medical Graduates ◽  
Clinical Supervisors ◽  
Medical Graduates ◽  
Junior Staff

Objective Herein we record the experience of clinical supervisors of international medical graduates (IMGs) working as junior staff in a district hospital by examining supervisor perspectives on IMG performance, the factors affecting their performance and the requirements of supervision under these circumstances. Methods The present study had an open-ended exploratory qualitative design. Thirteen 13 open-ended, in-depth interviews were undertaken with supervisors of IMGs employed in a public district hospital in Queensland, Australia. Results The supervisors reported that, although performance was an individual and variable characteristic, IMGs tended to perform less well than Australian graduates and required more intensive supervision. Factors that affected performance were motivation and experience, and specifically lack of familiarity with the Australian healthcare system, lack of recent of practice, education, language, communication and cultural factors. English language proficiency was regarded as crucial to performance. Conclusions The additional work required to supervise IMGs in order to enable them to perform at a satisfactory level and successfully integrate into the Australian healthcare system needs to be recognised and resourced. Assistance with attaining proficiency in English and with communication skills over and above the standard required to pass the International English Language Testing System examination should be seriously considered as a means of improving performance. What is known about the topic? To date, there is little research available about the experience of supervisors of IMGs in Australia. What does this paper add? The findings of the present study make an important contribution to the literature by examining the critical role clinical supervisors of IMGs have in helping IMGs adapt to the Australian healthcare system and ensuring that they are able to provide quality health care. It identifies current challenges and highlights areas in need of attention to ensure a strong healthcare system for Australia. What are the implications for practitioners? Supervisors of IMGs need recognition of the extra time and expertise required in their role if they are to be effectively supported in their endeavours to integrate IMGs into the Australian health workforce. More attention needs to be given to the development of English language proficiency of IMGs, including colloquial usage, and communication in medical practice.

Language issues: An important professional practice dimension for Australian International Medical Graduates

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pam McGrath ◽  
David Henderson ◽  
Hamish Holewa
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare System ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Critical Time ◽  
International Medical ◽  
International Medical Graduates ◽  
Speech And Language ◽  
Medical Graduates ◽  
Point Of Entry ◽  
System A ◽  
Purposive Sample

Issues associated with speech and language have been noted in the international literature as an important aspect of the process of integration for Australian International Medical Graduates (IMGs). This paper makes a contribution through the presentation of a sub-set of findings on the factors associated with speech and language practices for IMGs, taken from a qualitative study which examined the IMGs’ experience of integration into the Australian healthcare system. A purposive sample of 30 IMGs were interviewed via telephone. Participants were asked to share their experience with communicating in English with patients and other health professionals in the context of the Australian healthcare system. The taped interviews were transcribed verbatim and then coded and thematically analysed. The findings indicate that the months following the point of entry into a medical position are a critical time for the majority of IMGs in terms of difficulties with communicating in English. A range of suggestions to improve speech and language skills for IMGs is provided. The findings emphasize the importance of speech and language skills and the serious implications of this issue for the clinical practice of IMGs.

International Medical Graduates in Nephrology: A Guide for Trainees and Programs

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 297-304.e1
Author(s):  
Javier A. Neyra ◽  
Maria Clarissa Tio ◽  
Silvia Ferrè
Keyword(s):  
International Medical ◽  
International Medical Graduates ◽  
Medical Graduates

scholarly journals B-AB05-03 A SAME DAY DISCHARGE STRATEGY AFTER ATRIAL FIBRILLATION ABLATION THAT IS OVERSEEN BY ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS CAN BE INITIATED SAFELY AND EFFECTIVELY

Heart Rhythm ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. S8
Author(s):  
Lauren Ashley Rousseau ◽  
Nicole M. Bourque ◽  
Tiffany Andrade ◽  
Megan E.B. Antonellis ◽  
Patrice Hoskins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Same Day Discharge

scholarly journals Sustainable healthcare – Time for ‘Green Podiatry’

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Margaret Evans
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Greenhouse Gases ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
World Health ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Foot Health

Abstract Background Healthcare aims to promote good health and yet demonstrably contributes to climate change, which is purported to be ‘the biggest global health threat of the 21st century’. This is happening now, with healthcare as an industry representing 4.4% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Main body Climate change promotes health deficits from many angles; however, primarily it is the use of fossil fuels which increases atmospheric carbon dioxide (also nitrous oxide, and methane). These greenhouse gases prevent the earth from cooling, resulting in the higher temperatures and rising sea levels, which then cause ‘wild weather’ patterns, including floods, storms, and droughts. Particular vulnerability is afforded to those already health compromised (older people, pregnant women, children, wider health co-morbidities) as well as populations closer to equatorial zones, which encompasses many low-and-middle-income-countries. The paradox here, is that poorer nations by spending less on healthcare, have lower carbon emissions from health-related activity, and yet will suffer most from global warming effects, with scant resources to off-set the increasing health care needs. Global recognition has forged the Paris agreement, the United Nations sustainable developments goals, and the World Health Organisation climate change action plan. It is agreed that most healthcare impact comes from consumption of energy and resources, and the production of greenhouse gases into the environment. Many professional associations of medicine and allied health professionals are advocating for their members to lead on environmental sustainability; the Australian Podiatry Association is incorporating climate change into its strategic direction. Conclusion Podiatrists, as allied health professionals, have wide community engagement, and hence, can model positive environmental practices, which may be effective in changing wider community behaviours, as occurred last century when doctors stopped smoking. As foot health consumers, our patients are increasingly likely to expect more sustainable practices and products, including ‘green footwear’ options. Green Podiatry, as a part of sustainable healthcare, directs us to be responsible energy and product consumers, and reduce our workplace emissions.

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