Factors that influence workplace location choices in the different allied health professions: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: The maldistribution of health care workers between metropolitan, rural or remote areas is globally recognised. Allied health professional's workplace location choice is a complex interplay between professional and non-professional elements. Policy-makers should understand factors that influence workplace location choices when designing structures to attract allied health professionals to rural practice.

Objective: To determine factors influencing recruitment and retention of allied health professionals in metropolitan, rural and remote locations.

Design: Systematic review.

Findings: Twenty-two studies met inclusion criteria. Extracted data were synthesised into subthemes: (a) opportunities for career development, (b) clinical load, (c) organisational and workplace structure, (d) previous location exposure and (e) personal factors. Of these 22 studies, 12 reported organisational/workplace structure and personal factors positively impacting recruitment and 11 studies discussed organisational and workplace structure also negatively impacting on retention. Career opportunities positively impacted on recruitment, while lack of opportunity negatively affected retention. Previous location exposure positively impacted recruitment however had limited impact on retention. Similarly, a diverse clinical load was reported as being attractive during recruitment, but unmanageable caseloads affected retention.

Discussion: This review identifies the need for effective and sustainable solutions for the issues with recruitment and retention of allied health professionals. While the different allied health professions share similar recruitment and retention challenges, further research is needed to isolate factors impacting each discipline.

Conclusions: Retention and recruitment of different allied health professions is multifactorial. Organisational and workplace structure and opportunities for career development emerged as having impact on the recruitment of allied health professionals.

Keywords: allied health; choice; recruitment; retention; workplace.