The National Health Workforce Taskforce (NHWT) released a discussion paper in late 2008 regarding data collection on the supply/demand for clinical placements at the undergraduate level. According to the paper its purpose is to:

• Consider quantifying clinical placement demand from education providers nationally;
• Explore the possibility of quantifying the current health system capacity;
• Determine the feasibility of a national clinical placement data collection and consider the options for a preferred collection approach;
• Provide a basis for discussion with the stakeholders and seek feedback on sustainable approaches to the delivery and organisation of clinical training;
• Consider what impact the above would make to the planning and coordination of clinical placements to meet both quantum and distribution needs for each health profession; and
• Consider the appropriate mechanism for developing a national clinical placement data collection.

This paper followed closely on from the COAG announcement in November 2008 regarding new national arrangements and funding for undergraduate health clinical training placements and the establishment of a national workforce agency, which will have some responsibility for coordinating clinical training.

The AMA has lodged a submission to the NHWT discussion paper expressing support for improved data collection in this area, but expressing significant reservations at proposals to centralise the coordination of clinical placements.

 

Attachments	Size
AMA Submission to NHWT	46.1 KB