Assessing implementation of interventions to recruit & retain the Therapeutic Radiographer workforce

ABSTRACT

Purpose or Objective Recruitment and retention of key NHS staff has been an ongoing challenge. The Reducing Pre-registration Attrition and Improving Retention (RePAIR) initiative was set up by Health Education England (HEE) in 2015 to explore effective interventions to improve retention across the student journey, from pre-enrolment to two years post qualification. Key objectives: · Map and identify areas of good practice, opportunities, and challenges of the RePAIR recommendations in England · Further embed partnership working across a range of stakeholders · Develop a shared online repository of good practice and understand the impact of COVID-19 on student education and training. Project delivered by Society of Radiographers (SoR), funded by HEE. Materials and Methods Sample Radiotherapy approved Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s) n=10 and Radiotherapy Healthcare Providers (HCP’s) n=51 in England. A two stage project · Multi-method survey of HEI’s, HCP’s and therapeutic radiography students on a placement expansion programme in England · Follow-up semi-structured interviews and Dual Moderator focus groups with key stakeholders Results A 100% HEI and 88% HCP survey response Key findings: • 80% of HEIs and 98% of HCPs were in favour of standardising clinical assessment documentation. • HEIs, HCPs and students felt simulation could replace up to 20% of clinical practice. • 70% of HEI’s and 51% of HCP’s surveyed had informal student support mechanisms however only 15% of HCP’s and 20% of HEI’s had extra support for year 2 • Physical and mental health and wrong career choice, were the most common reasons for attrition. • Recruitment initiatives were evident in all HEI’s and in 82% of HCP’s, however, only 27% of HCP’s were involved in retention initiatives. • Formal use of ‘culture of care’ tools was not standard practice. • All HEI’s had a transition to professional practice. 80% of HCP’s had a preceptorship programme with 20% collaborating with local HEI • Only 20% awareness of RePAIR from survey findings Conclusion Priority areas were identified and developed into workstreams 1. Effective recruitment initiatives (e.g. outreach) 2. Effective retention initiatives, student support toolkit, return to practice 3. Strategies to increase student placement capacity (e.g. simulation and non-traditional placements) 4. Placement allocation and funding support 5. Standardised clinical assessment documentation 6. Preparation for practice (e.g preceptorship) This led to the development of an online toolkit – AHP Support Programme for Implementing Recruitment, Retention and Engagement (ASPIRRE), Standalone projects were identified, requiring separate research and development. • National project exploring requirements of implementing standardised clinical assessment. • Production of a professional body guidance document on simulation within pre-registration Therapeutic Radiography education and training programmes These projects address student and professional workforce growth, placement expansion and transformation requirements.