Mental Health Nursing and Allied Health Scholarships evaluation

The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) engaged Healthcare Management Advisors to evaluate the Mental Health Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship Program (the Program). ACN administered the Program, which funded 278 scholarships to attract new mental health nurses and allied health professionals (including psychologists) to the field.

The evaluation sought to understand if each scholarship category achieved its purpose and the gaps and potential opportunities to inform the design and administration of future scholarship programs. Key tasks in undertaking the evaluation included:

• Preparation of a situation analysis to inform the development of an evaluation framework to assess the appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of the Program
• Consultation with ACN Program leads was conducted to understand the Program’s administration and any unintended outcomes. Program participants were surveyed to understand their experience and satisfaction with the Program. Program data and performance reports were collected and analysed to understand achievement towards Program performance indicators.
• Evaluation data was triangulated against the key evaluation areas and questions to draw findings on the Program’s appropriateness, efficiency, and effectiveness

The findings and recommendations to improve future scholarship programs of this nature were presented in a draft and final report.

The evaluation was undertaken from July to October 2024.