ATMS UPDATE
Research Research is considered a priority by many members with 83.5 % regularly using evidence-based research in their clinical decision making . A total of 82 % of members highlighted the need for the journal to continue to provide clinically up to date information . Further 22 % of members regularly use EBSCO to support clinical decision making .
Over 50 % of members are aware of the annual research grants round , which currently is two $ 10,000 grants awarded annually .
Marketing and Communications Just over two-thirds ( 67 %) of members find ATMS communications such as Wise-n-Well and other ATMS communications useful in their clinical practice .
Members find the following ways to source clients :
1 . Referrals from other practitioners |
( 67.4 %) |
2 . Website |
( 56 %) |
3 . Facebook |
( 53 %) |
4 . Emails |
( 36 %) |
5 . Instagram |
( 32 %) |
The top three social media platforms members use to connect with ATMS are :
1 . Facebook |
( 75.8 %) |
2 . Instagram |
( 39.3 %) |
3 . LinkedIn |
( 17.5 %) |
Member Priorities The priorities members consider we should focus on include :
1 . Providing a varied CPE program |
( 76.5 %) |
2 . Lobbying the Australian government with |
regard to CM |
( 66.4 %) |
3 . Promoting CM to the public |
( 52.5 %) |
4 . Advocate for broader coverage of CM |
by health funds |
( 46.3 %) |
5 . Building an evidence base for CM |
( 42.5 %) |
A total of 41 % of members still report adverse impacts of the removal of health fund rebates . This has continued to be a priority for the Board seeking the return of rebates for affected modalities . The final report was expected to be with the Health Minister in September 2024 .
Education and Registration The highest level of education held by 36.2 % of members is a Diploma either from a VET accredited provider or private college , 27.7 % of members hold an Advanced Diploma , followed by 24.7 % holding a bachelor degree . A total of 5.0 % hold a post graduate qualification .
In terms of minimum education standards for ingestive qualifications , 40 % consider an Advanced Diploma to be the minimum standard , 31 % consider a VET diploma or equivalent and only 28 % consider a bachelor degree should be the minimum requirement .
Overall , members are evenly split on the topic of statutory registration , with the number of those recommending ATMS advocate for statutory registration equal to those who disagree with the advocacy or have no interest in this position .
Recommendation of ATMS to a colleague There was a positive response to how likely a member was to recommend ATMS to a colleague : over a third ( 37.4 %) selected 10 out of 10 on how likely they were to recommend ATMS to a colleague . A total of 85.4 % gave a 7 or greater out of 10 on how likely they were to recommend ATMS to a colleague .
Limitations of Survey The 2024 survey did not allow for open fields for responses , which could have limited the opportunity to receive more feedback . However , this did allow for a rapid analysis of the data , which was important given the proposed time frame .
Health Fund Accreditation In terms of health fund accreditation 55.3 % of members regard this as a priority . A total of 85 % believe that ATMS should advocate for broader coverage by health funds . In this survey data was also sought on other government programs which give access to healthcare services . While not all modalities have access , it appears a further 51 % would like coverage from NDIS , 46 % for Home Care packages and 49.7 % from the DVA .
JATMS | Summer 2024 | 231