Table 1 Description of cost calculation according to resource item

Learner podiatrist paid time

This is time spent during work hours and is considered a cost to the hospital. Assumed to be a grade 2 year 4 podiatrist, with wage rate calculated according to the 2017 enterprise bargaining agreement [20]. On-costs of 25% are applied. Volume of time was calculated according to case study learning log documentation.

Learner podiatrist unpaid time

This is time spent outside of work hours and is considered a cost to the individual. Calculated at the marginal overtime rate of 50% of usual wage without on-costs [20]. Volume of time was estimated by learners.

Endorsed prescriber time

This is an individual who is endorsed to prescribe podiatric therapeutics, and is therefore eligible to supervise a learner. Mentoring occurs during work hours and is considered a cost to the hospital. Our calculations assume this is a grade 4 year 4 podiatrist [20]. On-costs of 25% are applied. Volume of time was calculated according to time-log documentation.

Administrator time

This individual works for the hospital and is involved with the development and organisation of the mentoring program, and has podiatry specific knowledge. We assume a grade 2 year 4 podiatrist [20]. On-costs of 25% are applied. Volume of time was calculated according to time-log documentation.

Senior pharmacist time

This is an experience pharmacist who is involved in leadership, supervision and education. Their role is to assist with the development of the program. Calculations assume a grade 3 year 4 pharmacist, with on-costs of 25% applied [23]. Volume of time spent on development was designated when the task was set. There is also ongoing pharmacist support for prescribing, however this is considered a normal function of their work and has not been calculated.

Committee member time

Various hospital committees reviewed the new clinical practice guidelines developed to support this program. For simplicity, we have assumed all individuals involved with these committees are at a similar level to the podiatry head of department, and assumed wage rates at grade 4 year 4 podiatrist level [20]. Total time taken was estimated according to the average number of agenda items and number of meeting attendees.

Librarian time

A medical librarian introduces the various learning resources available to learner podiatrists. Wage rate was calculated using the 2017 enterprise bargaining agreement [20].

This is a scheduled amount of time. Any ad-hoc support is considered a normal function of their work.