Building the Private Practice Workforce in the Northern Territory: the Barriers and Facilitators for Employing Allied Health Assistants
Lori Roberts1, Bea Staley1, John Callanan 1Charles Darwin University, Tiwi, Northern Territory, Australia
Abstract
Background: The introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has caused an increased demand for allied health therapy, to be met by the private sector. This is a national trend that is amplified in the Northern Territory with comparatively low staff. Extensive allied health waitlists, complex public health issues, and high rates of clinician burnout are commonly reported difficulties. One of the proposed solutions has been to employ allied health assistants.
Method: A qualitative collective case study was completed with staff working in private disability practices in Darwin.
Results: Four key themes were identified. Firstly, the dynamic between the allied health professional and the allied health assistant is important. Secondly, confidence is required from both the allied health professional and allied health assistant for successful delegation. Thirdly, part-time allied health assistants, or assistants in a dual role reduced financial risk for practices. Finally, allied health assistants who work in multidisciplinary teams tend to take more time to train, however, remain longer within the workplace.
Implications: This research offers private providers insight into the realities of employing a therapy assistant. It also suggests that university training for both allied health assistants and allied health professionals warrants increased focus on delegation in the private disability sector. On a government level, a review of the NDIS price guide for allied health assistant rates is required if private providers are to better meet the needs for NDIS participants in Darwin.
Biography
Lori is an Occupational Therapist with over ten years experience – eight of which have been in the Northern Territory. Lori has primarily worked in the disability sector, as a clinician, manager and currently a researcher. An area of interest for Lori is therapy service delivery with National Disability Insurance Scheme participants living in the Northern Territory to better meet population requirements.