# Resident and Family Carer Perspectives on the Impact of Allied Health Student Placements on Service Delivery to Residents in Northern NSW Aged Care Homes: A Qualitative Study

## TL;DR

This study explores how allied health student placements in rural aged care homes affect residents and their families, finding that these placements improve care and wellbeing.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the impact of allied health student placements in rural aged care settings from the perspectives of residents and family carers.

## Key findings

- Residents showed improved functional independence and emotional wellbeing through student-led services.
- A multidisciplinary and multimodal approach was key to effective student-assisted care.
- Continuity of care between student groups needs improvement for better service delivery.

## Abstract

To explore the perceptions of rural residential aged care home (RACH) residents and family carers about the integration of allied health students in service delivery, and its impact on residents' health and wellbeing.

Two rural RACHs in Northern NSW, where allied health students (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Nutrition and Dietetics and Social Work) attended rural clinical placements and were integrated in service delivery for residents.

Twelve residents who received student‐integrated services from the RACHs and five family carers.

This was a qualitative evaluation. Residents and family carers were approached to participate in a semi‐structured interview. Interviews were recorded, and audio interviews were transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to generate themes and sub‐themes.

Three themes, each with several sub‐themes, emerged from the interview data. The first theme was facilitators of effective care, and sub‐themes were: modes of services, team‐based approach and continuity of care. Continuity of care between successive groups of students was identified as an aspect of placement that requires improvement. The second theme presented how residents' functional abilities and emotional wellbeing improved after participating in student‐led assessments and interventions. The third theme was participants' satisfaction with the students' competency and professionalism in delivering services.

From the perspectives of residents and family carers, allied health student placements can enhance service provision in rural RACHs in Northern NSW. These placements offer potential to grow the rural allied health workforce and assist in meeting the health service needs of older rural adults within the region.

Rural clinical placements create opportunities to address healthcare gaps in communities.The benefits of student immersion in healthcare settings are evident for both students and staff.Rural clinical placements increase people's access to allied health services.

Rural clinical placements create opportunities to address healthcare gaps in communities.

The benefits of student immersion in healthcare settings are evident for both students and staff.

Rural clinical placements increase people's access to allied health services.

Residents access services from allied health students on placement in rural RACHs, resulting in improved functional independence and emotional wellbeing.Multimodal service delivery and multidisciplinary approach are key aspects of student‐assisted services in rural RACHs.Continuity of care was identified as a critical component within student‐integrated allied health service provision requiring attention.

Residents access services from allied health students on placement in rural RACHs, resulting in improved functional independence and emotional wellbeing.

Multimodal service delivery and multidisciplinary approach are key aspects of student‐assisted services in rural RACHs.

Continuity of care was identified as a critical component within student‐integrated allied health service provision requiring attention.