Workforce Surveys FAQ

• Why has RDN moved to online surveys?
• Will my data be secure?
• How do I complete the survey online?
• What if my internet connection is slow or doesn’t work?
• I would much rather do a paper survey, can I?
• I have been returning this survey for years, do I need to do it again?
• Do I have to keep telling RDN my gender, AHPRA Number and other things that don’t change?
• I fill out the MABEL survey and other GP workforce surveys, how are RDN surveys different?
• What is the Primary Health Workforce Needs Assessment?
• Can I contact RDN if I have further questions?

   

WHY HAS RDN MOVED TO ONLINE SURVEYS?

Online survey data collection dramatically reduces the financial and environmental burden of the annual surveys. Online surveys employ a ‘branched’ question structure, meaning respondents only see the questions relevant to them based on their earlier responses in the survey. Online data collection eliminates the risk of lost surveys, and missing data in paper forms.

WILL MY DATA BE SECURE?

Yes. You will be sent a personalised unique code in the post. This code is your key to enter the system and complete your survey. Do not share this code. RDN knows this code and will use it to track responses to match the individual and to send reminders and assistance.

Your connection to our survey uses https. This is a strong industry standard technology, so you can be confident any answers provided to us will arrive securely. Data you provide for our surveys is securely stored by LimeSurvey in a separate database locked by an individual username and password.

Our survey is also provided from Australian data servers so you can be confident your data will be managed strictly in accordance with Australian Privacy Law. 

HOW DO I COMPLETE THE SURVEY ONLINE?

You will be sent a personalised unique code in the post, and the web address for the survey. Your code is your key to enter the survey platform and complete your survey. Once you commence the survey, further instructions will guide you through the process.

WHAT IF MY INTERNET CONNECTION IS SLOW OR DOESN'T WORK?

The survey has been designed to use minimum possible bandwidth. In the event you are unable to fill out the survey due to connectivity problems, please contact our dedicated survey phone line on +61 2 4924 8067. Our survey phone line is staffed during business hours and logs messages for after hours help. We can customise the best solution to meet your needs.

I WOULD MUCH RATHER DO A PAPER SURVEY, CAN I?

The online survey format allows us great flexibility to ask targeted questions, but this does not translate well to paper. If you are unhappy with the prospect of using an online survey, please contact RDN by email or call +61 2 4924 8067.

I HAVE BEEN RETURNING THIS SURVEY FOR YEARS, DO I NEED TO DO IT AGAIN?

Yes please. Surveys are a key component of RDNs workforce planning strategy. The Primary Health Workforce Needs Assessment shows the importance of the data you provide to us about workforce capacity and changes to the workforce. RDN is now responsible for the Health Workforce Needs Assessment across the primary health care workforce.

DO I HAVE TO KEEP TELLING RDN MY GENDER, AHPRA NUMBER AND OTHER THINGS THAT DON'T CHANGE?

No. We have reviewed the data we have and if you have provided us with fixed details before, we have made every effort to ensure you don’t have to respond again to these items in 2020.

I FILL OUT THE MABEL SURVEY AND OTHER GP WORKFORCE SURVEYS, HOW ARE RDN SURVEYS DIFFERENT?

The MABEL research project is a very important longitudinal study that provides feedback and an evidence base for national government policy and discussion. While there is some overlap with the RDN survey, there are key differences. For instance, the data we collect from doctors at all stages of the GP pathway allows us to identify cohorts we can assist with RDN programs. As the Rural (health) Workforce Agency for NSW, RDN uses the data we collect from surveys to identify key areas in rural NSW that are at risk of workforce maldistribution and healthcare shortage within the next five years.  

WHAT IS THE PRIMARY HEALTH WORKFORCE NEEDS ASSESSMENT?

The Needs Assessment aggregates evidence themed around primary healthcare workforce access, quality and sustainability, and identifies issues and trends for these priority areas. The Needs Assessment is generated using data collected through the GP and Practice Manager surveys, both historically and into the future. This important process will expand to include data collection from allied health and primary care nursing professionals to produce a holistic view of the rural Primary Healthcare Workforce.

For more information, see the Health Workforce Needs Assessment page.

CAN I CONTACT RDN IF I HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS?

Yes. We encourage you to direct any questions or concerns to RDN via email or our dedicated survey phone line on +61 2 4924 8067.