North, Central and Southern Queensland Rural Health Training Units have developed and implemented a mentoring program for Queensland Health rural and remote Allied Health Professionals. The program was designed to provide a sustainable model of professional support to those Allied Health Professionals new to rural and remote practice in Queensland Health with the aim of improving retention rates.
Program Objectives are:
This program uses a small group model with a mentor linking with two or three mentees, differentiating it from the more traditional one to one mentor relationship. The small group model acknowledges the significant knowledge and experience of all participants.
Various communication technologies are utilised allowing participants to quickly and easily access assistance and support.
The program was designed to meet individual and organisational goals including increased access to support and resources, improving clinical and organisational knowledge and leadership skills. This paper will present the implementation process, observations and evaluation results to date.