Conference presentation
Exploring the experiences and barriers to increasing social work students’ placements offerings in residential aged care facilities in Queensland: A case of Gold Coast, Queensland
ANZSWWER 2025 Symposium & National Field Education Network Day , 14th (Western Sydney University , 19/11/2025–21/11/2025)
21/11/2025
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Abstract
Australia’s ageing population presents urgent demands for aged care services and highlights a growing need for social workers in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Of the 188000 older Australians in RACFs, only 15-17% of them have access to professional social work services. Student placements are a proven pathway to strengthening the aged care workforce, however opportunities in RACFs remain limited. The aim of this research is to explore the experiences and barriers to increasing social work student placements in RACFs in Gold Coast, Queensland. Drawing on an exploratory qualitative methodology, the research used semi-structured interviews with field educators and RACFs supervisors and focus groups discussions with current and graduate students. This study aligns with the priority areas of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety on person-centred care and workforce shortage, addressing the quality of care for older people and safety concerns in the RACFs. Findings may contribute to evidence-based knowledge and practice skills development of aged care social workers and expound the experiences of students on placement in RACFs. Findings can serve as a basis for further research to improve the experiences of students and to reduce barriers that limit placements opportunities in RACFs. Understanding barriers may lead to identifying curriculum gaps and better prepare students for aged care careers. The findings will elucidate gaps in supervision and contribute to developing resources for better placement experiences. In keeping with Subtheme 3, this study addresses key issues in field education, including sector readiness, placement equity, and student access.
Details
- Title
- Exploring the experiences and barriers to increasing social work students’ placements offerings in residential aged care facilities in Queensland: A case of Gold Coast, Queensland
- Creators
- Barbara Adonteng-Kissi
- Conference
- ANZSWWER 2025 Symposium & National Field Education Network Day , 14th (Western Sydney University , 19/11/2025–21/11/2025)
- Identifiers
- 991013348639602368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Conference presentation