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Abstract

Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate the observed impact of Beyond Milestones online education resource in developing allied health professionals’ knowledge of normal child development and skills in observational assessment. It also aimed to identify the usefulness of the resource and necessary modifications for potential application with allied health professionals working for New South Wales (NSW) Health. While the effectiveness of the resource with medical clinicians has been demonstrated, no evidence was identified regarding the usefulness with allied health professionals. Methods: The study used a crossover repeated measures design to determine the observed impact of Beyond Milestones on developing the knowledge and skills of participating allied health professionals. Quantitative data was analysed manually. Mean differences between the study groups were compared using independent sample t-tests. A significance level of pResults: A total of 30 participants representing Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Speech Pathology and Social Work completed all components of the study. Quantitative results indicated that Beyond Milestones was an online resource that provided an effective learning opportunity. The qualitative evaluation identified perceived improvements to the Beyond Milestones online module. Overall, forty one percent (n=12) of respondents identified that Beyond Milestones is adequate as a standalone online resource with 59% (n=17) identifying that there would be benefit to it being part of a broader education program. Conclusions: Although allied health participants demonstrated a significant improvement in performance on allocated observational assessment tasks, this was not attributable to completion of the Beyond Milestones teaching modules. Despite this, study participants perceived the online resource to be an effective learning opportunity. The recommendations regarding modification of the Beyond Milestones resource require consideration and evaluation prior to broader application. Further research regarding the usefulness of this model of educational practice is warranted.

Author Bio(s)

Sonia Hughes, BAppSc(SpPath), is an Allied Health Educator with the NSW Children’s Healthcare Network. Sonia’s clinical background is in paediatric speech pathology, and she has worked in both metropolitan and rural areas. She has worked in the field of education for the last 16 years.

Carmel Blayden, MHPE, MHlthSc, BAppSc(OT), CertIVTAE, is the Director Allied Health Clinical Education, Canberra Health Services. She has previously worked as an NSW Children’s Healthcare Network Allied Health Educator. Carmel’s clinical background is in occupational therapy working predominantly in regional and rural areas of NSW. The last 16 years she has worked in the field of education. She completed a Masters of Health Profession Education in 2019.

Jennifer Nicol, MEd(HlthProfEd), MHA, BAppSc(SpPath), CertIVTAE, is the Manager Professional Education, Speech Pathology Australia. She has previously worked as NSW Children’s Healthcare Network Allied Health Educator and course lecturer with The University of Sydney. Jennifer has a clinical background in speech pathology, a Master of Health Administration, and Master of Education (Health Professional Education).

Susan Sims, MAppSc(Coaching Psychology), GCertMedHlthLead, GradDipPhysio, BSC, CertIVTAE, has worked in the NSW Health system in numerous roles including physiotherapist, allied health educator, leadership coach and organisational development consultant. Susan is currently the Safety Culture Lead at the NSW Clinical Excellence Commission focused on supporting individuals and teams to create the conditions for safe, quality healthcare. coach and organisational development consultant. Susan is currently the Safety Culture Lead at the NSW Clinical Excellence Commission focused on supporting individuals and teams to create the conditions for safe, quality healthcare.

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements Dr Arjun Rao MBBS FRACP, Paediatric Emergency Physician, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick; Conjoint Lecturer, University of New South Wales.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2024.2390

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