Mrs Kelly Squires

Aim: The aim was to support rich collaborative practice between two professions who frequently work together across both ordered and organic modes of collaboration. Methods: This study uses a qualitative research approach of collaborative dialogical inquiry to explore the question ¿From the perspective of dietitians and speech pathologists, ¿what works well¿ for developing and maintaining collaborative practice?¿ We deliberately chose a context where collaborative practice is evident, University Department of Rural Health (UONDRH). Participants in the research were academics and clinicians from dietetics and speech pathology. Data were sourced from our research reflections and focus group transcriptions. Analysis was dialogical and iterative. Results: Beyond shared purpose, knowledge of roles and good communication, the notions of curiosity, willingness and momentum were at the core of ¿what works well¿ for collaborative practice between dietitians and speech pathologists. Participant perspectives related to collaborative practice between these professions and beyond to other professions, and involved collaborative practice within and across healthcare organisations and a university setting. Conclusions: Our interpreted themes of curiosity, willingness and momentum for developing and maintaining collaborative practice highlight the importance of paying attention to the less visible and difficult to measure aspects of patient-centred care. Questions for reflection are suggested to inform the ongoing process of developing and maintaining our and others¿ collaborative practice.

Over the past 10 years, the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health, based in Tamworth, New South Wales, has supported increased opportunities for short- and longterm rural dietetic placements through an ongoing collaboration between Hunter New England Local Health District dietitians and University of Newcastle academic staff, using an innovative student placement model. A recent strategy has been the implementation of year-long student attachments to a rural area in an attempt to improve long-term recruitment and retention of staff to rural and remote areas. This paper describes the dietetic student placement model and outcomes to date. There has been an increase in the number and diversity of student placements in Tamworth, from 2 student placements in 2002 to 33 in 2013 and a maximum increase of 317 student weeks. Students have rated the short- and long-term options highly. Intention to work rurally after graduation was reported at 49% for the 2011/2012 cohort of students. Seventy-three percent of all year-long students have obtained work in a rural setting after graduation. An increased exposure to a rural location has the potential to increase the recruitment of staff in rural areas.