Original Research
The Australian Allied Health Rural Generalist Pathway: contextual factors for success
AUTHORS
Alison Dymmott1 PhD, Academic Lead, Rural Allied Health * 
Stacey George1 PhD, Professor
Narelle Campbell2 PhD, Associate Professor
Joanne Lawson3 Master of Health and Human Services, Principal Consultant, Allied Health
Chris Brebner 1 PhD, Pro Vice Chancellor (Curriculum Impact)
AFFILIATIONS
1 Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia
2 Flinders University Northern Territory, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
3 Rural Support Service, Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network, Government of South Australia, South Australia, Australia
ACCEPTED: 27 August 2025
Early Abstract:
Introduction: Allied health workforce challenges in Australian rural areas have negative implications for employers, due to high staff turnovers, and consumers, who receive sub-optimal care. Rural health services cannot provide the range of specialised allied health providers available in urban areas, resulting in disparity in access and outcomes for rural people. Rural allied health professionals are required to work across the full scope of professional skills to meet the needs of their local communities, which is particularly challenging for early career professionals. The allied health rural generalist pathway was introduced as a workforce strategy in South Australia’s regional areas, to develop and recognise the specific skills and knowledge required for rural practice. This research retrospectively explored the contextual factors impacting on the success of the pathway including personal and organisational factors, to support generalisability.
Methods: A pragmatic qualitative study was undertaken over four research phases. In-depth interviews were conducted with trainees, supervisors, line managers, profession leads and the project team throughout the pathway. Qualitative and quantitative results were analysed separately and reported together to comprehensively explore research findings.
Results: Community integration, personal attributes, availability of support, timing of commencement and a generalist caseload were found to be important factors for success. Trainees who elected to participate in the generalist pathway were also more likely to complete. Location and profession were not found to predict success in the pathway.
Conclusion: A range of contextual factors were analysed to explore who, where and what circumstances were better suited to the allied health rural generalist pathway as it was introduced in South Australia. It is recommended that organisations consider the selection process, support available, caseload breadth and opportunities for participation in service development projects to promote successful completion of the pathway.
Keywords: allied health, context, generalist practice, organisational factors, personal factors, rural and remote, training, workforce.