Mrs Kate Bancroft1, Ms Annie Scanlon1, Ms Sascha Wood1, Ms Anoshka Strathdee1, Mrs Emily Mooney1, Mr Ben Short1, Ms Erryn Siva2, Ms Caitlin Beck2
1WA Country Health Service, Australia, 2North Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, Australia
Biography:
Kate Bancroft is the WA Country Health Service, Cancer Services, Allied Health Coordinator. Kate previously worked as a physiotherapist and manager in metropolitan and regional locations in the UK, Victoria, and WA. Kate commenced her current role in February 2022 and works to support cancer services allied health staff across WACHS.
Abstract:
Aim:
Improve access to allied health (AH) management of complex lymphoedema in rural Western Australia.
Background:
Challenges with recruitment and retention of AH clinicians in rural settings results in variable clinical experience and access to support in managing patients with complex lymphoedema across WA Country Health Service (WACHS). Despite significant investment in training, staff feedback suggests workforce challenges, combined with relatively low case numbers, can impact clinician confidence and competence.
WACHS-Kimberley (KI) residents who are unable to access treatment locally are required to travel to metropolitan Perth for care. Travel time can be significant and stand-alone AH appointments are ineligible for the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme. Anecdotally, the time and cost involved with accessing care in Perth may result in patients opting out of ongoing management.
Intervention:
Implementation of monthly case discussion meetings (via telehealth) with WACHS-KI AH clinicians supported by AH clinicians at a metropolitan tertiary centre. The meetings formalised previous ad hoc discussions ensuring access to consistent and ongoing support.
Outcomes:
A 6-month evaluation found that 75% of staff (3 of 4) accessed the supervision regularly. All staff reported a high level of satisfaction and increased confidence in treating complex lymphoedema.
Additional benefits included improved discharge planning from metropolitan to regional sites and shared care arrangements between metropolitan and WACHS-KI clinicians.
The clinical supervision model has been integrated into business as usual with 2 additional staff now attending. There is future scope to expand the model to other regions that are linked to the tertiary site