Supporting Allied Health Practices and Outcomes – A National Approach for Primary Health Networks’ Engagement with Allied Health
Richard Nankervis2 1CEO – Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network, Newcastle, NSW, Australia2National Primary Health Network Cooperative, Newcastle , NSW, Australia
Abstract
A greater national focus on Allied Health (AH) as part of primary health care is essential to improving access, outcomes, integration, safety quality and cost-efficiency across the health system. In order to contribute to this, Primary Health Networks (PHNs) nationally have worked, with strong contribution from the Allied Health sector, to develop a National PHN Allied Health in Primary Care Engagement Framework.
The Framework builds on research demonstrating the value and cost efficiency of AH services. It seeks to address how Primary Health Networks (PHNs) can work in a more consistent manner to engage with and support the delivery of effective and efficient allied health services to communities. The consultation methodology included 18 key stakeholder survey responses, 152 individuals participating in focus groups & roundtables, and 7 interviews with national stakeholders.
The key themes identified in the framework outline a comprehensive approach to engaging with and supporting the development of Allied Health, being:
1.Nationally Led Collaboration
2.Governance & Culture
3.Practice Engagement
4.Data, Quality & Digital Maturity
5.Workforce and Access to Allied Health care
6.Integration, models of care and funding
This work has been supported by collations of case studies of existing work of PHNs with Allied Health providers, and an implementation toolkit for PHNs. Next steps include a national collaborative leadership forum, implementation across PHNs, development of an Allied Health Practice Support toolkit, and a general growth in Allied Health education and support for clinicians provided through PHNs.
Biography
Richard Nankervis is the Chief Executive Officer at the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network, having commenced in 2015. Richard is a Director on the Board of the NSW Regional Health Partners Translational Research Centre.
Richard originally trained as a physiotherapist and worked clinically in public and private settings, as well as hospital management roles. Richard also has degrees in Science and Health Administration, and is the national Primary Health Networks lead CEO for engagement with Allied Health (amongst other national programs of work).
Richard initially trained and worked as a Physiotherapist,