Building an Allied Health model. Changing the focus from discipline specific to a speciality-based team in Palliative Care.
Anna Fulford1, Pippa Blackburn1Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
Abstract
Background: There is limited evidence on the models of Allied Health (AH) working within Specialist Palliative Care. This presentation discusses structural and process changes to optimise AH models in Palliative Care.
Aim: In 2020, the Illawarra Shoalhaven Community Palliative Care Service initiated a Healthcare Redesign project to review the community model of care and workforce structure. AH was a key focus in this work with major changes implemented.
Method: Clinical governance and service escalation issues for AH clinicians were identified as a significant issue through the Redesign Diagnostic phase. The solution and implementation phase saw the realignment of AH disciplines streamlined operationally and co-located with the medical and nursing teams.
Results: Changes to the service has led to a best practice exemplar Community Palliative Care AH model. Clinical governance has enhanced through centralised management and resource allocation; there are well-defined referral criteria and pathways; day to day care coordination has enhanced; there is escalation of care for the deteriorating patients; effective multi-disciplinary team processes are in place; and professional development to provide a specialist service. Most importantly there has been a cultural change within the service leading to a sustainable model with identified team values.
Conclusion: The need for a defined role of Allied Health in Palliative Care as a Specialist team rather than siloed disciplines, and leadership roles and pathways are essential to support the ongoing sustainability of specialist services. This will enhance clinical governance and meet the increasing demand of palliative care needs of the Australian population.
Biography
Anna Fulford is the Allied Health Clinician Team Leader for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Community Palliative Care Service. She has worked for 20 years as a Physiotherapist, including in both inpatient and community Palliative Care settings. She has postgraduate qualifications in Palliative Care and is an accredited lymphoedema practitioner. She is a passionate advocate for inclusion of Allied Health services within Palliative Care and educating non specialist clinicians to better manage patients across all clinical settings. Her particular area of interest is the development of the interdisciplinary model of care.