Ms Ellen Goh1, Ms Daphne Van Pagee1
1Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia, 2Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
Biography:
Ellen graduated from The University of Sydney in 2008 and has worked in several public health organisations in NSW and the UK in acute, subacute and outpatient roles, before commencing at Monash Health in 2017. She completed a Master’s of Public Health through University of NSW and has enjoyed the new perspectives this has brought to her practice.
Daphne graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Occupational therapy in 2008, working extensively in public health service. Daphne has clinical expertise in adult inpatient neurological rehabilitation and is currently working in a more specialized outpatient role at Monash Health.
Abstract:
Issue/problem:
In a large metropolitan health network, a weekly outpatient Multiple Sclerosis (MS) clinic operated, staffed by medical, nursing and physiotherapy. MS Clinical Guidelines state best practice utilises a multidisciplinary team approach to management. The lack of Occupational Therapy (OT) involvement was hypothesised to be a gap.
Purpose:
To investigate the need for OT services in the existing outpatient management of MS patients at Monash Health, we aimed to:
– Identify and quantify the OT service gap
– Determine feasibility of an OT service
– Quantify and evaluate the OT service benefit
Nature and scope:
Interstate benchmarking and a literature review were completed, after which an OT service was piloted in the existing MS clinic from September-November 2023. Patient and staff surveys investigated the service gap and qualitative impact of the OT service, while a clinical audit analysed the service usage, presenting MS issues and interventions.
Outcome and conclusion:
OT input identified on average, twice the number of presenting issues compared to initial referral. OT time spent was within limits of available staffing. Patient (N=22) and staff (N=10) feedback was overwhelmingly positive based on 5-point Likert scale results rating helpfulness (4.1/5), usefulness (4.8/5) and importance (4.2/5).
A service gap was identified and implementation of an OT service deemed feasible. There was a qualitative benefit determined by staff and patients involved in the clinic. The addition of OT better aligns the clinic operation with current MS guidelines. Findings supported the continuation of the OT service, which remains today.