Appropriate housing and safety, adequate time off and financial incentives are among the key factors supporting primary health care workers in remote jobs across Australia, according to a new study by Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies).
Published in BMC Health Services Research, the findings underscore the importance of bundling initiatives preferred by remote health care workers into a comprehensive, flexible workforce retention package tailored to staff preferences.
The study is based on responses from more than 225 remote health care workers, 71% of whom worked for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service. Participants ranked retention initiatives from best to worst.
More than 80% of respondents considered adequate housing and a safe living environment paramount. The research team acknowledged that this would require coordinated action from several sectors and departments but would have broad benefits for the cultural, professional, physical and psychological safety of health staff.
Financial incentives were the preferred retention initiative among non-Indigenous staff, while Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff ranked First Nations leadership as the most important factor in remaining in their roles. Leave flexibility, professional networks and well-being support were key for all staff, ranking among the top five retention initiatives for both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous primary health care workers.
