RDN 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 have been returning this survey for years, do I need to do it again?
• 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 RDN’s Health Workforce Surveys. Online surveys employ a ‘branched’ question structure, meaning respondents only see the questions relevant to them. Online data collection eliminates the risk of lost surveys, and missing data in paper forms. 

WILL MY DATA BE SECURE?

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 Survey Monkey in a separate database locked by an individual username and password. 

RDN is committed to ensuring the confidentiality of information collected in this survey. Personal information (such as your name and contact details) collected in this survey will be used to maintain and update RDN databases.  

Other information collected in this survey will be used to inform the HWNA submitted to the Department of Health and the HWNA public document. This information is presented in a de-identified way. This means that your personal information will not be connected to, or be able to be identified from, the responses you’ve provided when the results of the survey are published.  

RDN may also provide de-identified data to associated health stakeholders, including, but not limited to the Department of Health, NSW Ministry of Health, the Rural Doctors Association, Local Health Districts, Primary Health Networks, training providers and Rural Health Workforce Australia. We will never share your personal information with third parties unless you have given us permission to do so.  

You can be confident your data will be managed strictly in accordance with Australian Privacy Law. RDN’s privacy policy can be found here. If, at any time, you have questions or concerns about our commitment to your privacy, please feel free to email our Privacy Officer at privacy@nswrdn.com.au.  

HOW DO I COMPLETE THE SURVEYS ONLINE?

The RDN Health Workforce Surveys are currently open and accessible by the following links. 

• RDN General Practitioner (GP) Survey 2022 
• RDN Practice Manager Survey 2022 

Those on our database will be sent a personalised email. Once you commence the survey, further instructions will guide you through the process. If you did not receive a survey, please check your spam folder. 

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

In the event you are unable to fill out the survey due to connectivity problems, please feel free to contact us and we will complete the survey over the phone at a time that suits you.

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

Yes please. The survey is updated annually to reflect changes in the workforce. Surveys are a?key component of RDNs workforce planning strategy. The Health Workforce Needs Assessment?shows the importance of the data you provide to us about your workforce needs and changes to the workforce.  

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 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 HEALTH WORKFORCE NEEDS ASSESSMENT?

The Health Workforce Needs Assessment (HWNA) aggregates evidence themed around primary healthcare workforce access, quality and sustainability, and identifies issues and trends for these priority areas. The HWNA is generated using data collected through the RDN Health Workforce 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 health 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.