Workshop to address health skills shortage

2 February 2010: Addressing the shortage of health care professionals in the ACT is the focus of a clinical workshop organised by the University of Canberra on Thursday.

The University of Canberra has partnered with the Australian National University, Australian Catholic University, Canberra Institute of Technology and ACT Health to deliver the one-day workshop, aimed at developing knowledge and skills among clinical staff who work with nursing, allied health, midwifery and medical students.

The workshop is organised by the University of Canberra Faculty of Health’s associate dean (education) Laurie Grealish, an expert in teaching and clinical training.

“Practical, on the job experience for students is a vital step to getting qualified health professionals into the workforce,” Associate Professor Grealish said.

“If we can support clinicians to give the best training to students, this will result in more placements and better quality placements and ultimately help get more doctors, nurses and other health professionals into the territory’s hospitals and clinics,” Associate Professor Grealish said.

Participants will be introduced to the latest information on teaching and learning theory.

They will also benefit from working with staff in other disciplines and organisations with a view to growing a collaborative educational team in the ACT, Associate Professor Grealish said.

Approximately 130 clinicians are expected to attend the workshop.

Other topics include patient-focused team work, group and peer learning and working with students in a health setting.

The workshop will be held at the Australian Catholic University.