Mr Daniel Destefanis1, Ms Felicity Martin1, Dr Carol Mccrum1, Ms Michelle Bennett1, Dr Jo Morris1
1Canberra Health Services, Canberra, Australia
Biography:
Felicity Martin is Senior Director of Allied Health at Canberra Health Services (CHS), Felicity works closely with Dr Morris in leading allied health workforce transformation. Felicity is working with Allied Health and Nursing colleagues at CHS where she commenced worked on a Multi-professional Advanced Practice Framework. She has established a number of Advanced Practice Allied Health roles and trainee positions leading efficient, accessible and safe models of care. Felicity’s background includes leading the Speech Pathology Team and Quality and Safety leadership roles.
Abstract:
Purpose:
– Describe the development of guidance providing a consistent and transparent approach to definition, essential requirements, capabilities and governance of advanced practice in Allied Health within Canberra Health Services (CHS).
– Share learning and support similar developments in other organisations
Background:
Allied health Advanced Clinical Practice (AHACP) continues to evolve and innovate in healthcare provision, with the beneficial impacts, cost-effectiveness, safety and value well evidenced.
The NHS Multidisciplinary ACP Framework demonstrates the value of a unified approach, voice and workforce vision.
Issue/problem under consideration:
Although growing utilisation of AHACP roles brings recognised benefits for healthcare, AHACP has been characterised by variable definitions and nomenclature nationally and internationally. This variability creates challenges for successful, sustainable implementation, governance, advocacy, workforce development and transferability within and across jurisdictions. Allied health encompasses diverse professions, and a consistent national definition of AHACP has not been established. Roles commonly utilise interdisciplinary capabilities in MDT contexts and across complex settings which need consideration and supportive governance.
Outcome/Conclusions:
The CHS AHACP guideline aimed for a set of foundational elements and principles to underpin establishment and maintenance of multiprofessional advanced clinical practice roles within CHS. It provides ACP definitions and concepts across the pillars of practice, and articulates requirements and a range of core capabilities in roles to be demonstrated by professionals engaging in advanced clinical practice. Principles for professional governance specific to advanced clinical practice roles in the CHS context are outlined. The learning gained on enablers and barriers to a successful development process will be shared.