Mr Corey Patterson4, Prof Elizabeth Ward1,2,3, Dr Rebecca Packer2, Dr Jasmine Foley2, A/Prof Laurelie Wishart5,6, Dr Clare Burns2,7, Ms Sally Pether8, Mrs Wendy Comben4
1Centre for Functioning & Health Research (CFAHR), Brisbane, Australia, 2School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, 3Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia, 4Speech pathology, Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, Australia, 5Office of the Chief Allied Health Practitioner, Metro North Health, Brisbane, Australia, 6Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia, 7Speech Pathology, The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Metro North Health, Brisbane, Australia, 8Speech Pathology, The Mount Isa Hospital, North West Hospital and Health Service, Mt Isa, Australia
Biography:
Prof Ward is both the Director of the Centre for Functioning and Health (CFAHR), in Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Health, and a Conjoint Professor with the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland. She is an internationally recognised researcher with over 450 publications. Liz's research has a clinical focus with particular emphasis on projects designed to improve patient outcomes within health services.
Abstract:
Purpose:
Rural patients experience challenges accessing speech pathology (SP) services following head and neck cancer (HNC) care. This study used the RE-AIM framework to evaluate a shared-care model implemented to support rural patient access to SP services.
Nature/scope:
Policy documents highlight the need to develop models of care that help patients receive care closer to home. There is also recognised need to increase the capability of rural clinicians in the management of HNC. Following a series of studies exploring the perspectives of patients and service providers, the “Shared SP HNC Care” service model was developed. This model operates within a rural health network (1 tertiary cancer centre, 4 rural services). Initial pilot data from 10 patients suggested model feasibility.
Issue:
Although the pilot data was positive, more robust data and systematic evaluation of the model was needed. The current study was designed to evaluate this model using the RE-AIM framework. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected from patients and clinicians from discharge to 3-months post-treatment, and mapped against RE-AIM dimensions.
Outcome and conclusions:
Over 10 months 23 patients were monitored. Through shared-care, 74% received all post-acute cares locally. All patients identified advantages of receiving care closer to home. Local care saved patient-related costs of average $801.94 per SP visit. Clinicians reported multiple patient and service benefits. All stakeholders identified the importance of good communication. Data support that post-acute SP services for people with HNC can be effectively managed by local clinicians within a shared-care model, improving access to local care.