Piloting a Dietetics and Speech Pathology Interprofessional Clinical Assistant Role in an Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting
Jennifer Ellick1,2, Jessica Kinneally1, Lauren Wright1, Kylie Short11Metro North Health, Herston, QLD, Australia2University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
Abstract
It is well acknowledged that an interprofessional approach to health care improves the quality, outcomes, cost effectiveness and safety of patient care. However, the use of interprofessional clinical assistants (IPCA) is a relatively novel area of practice. In this project, an IPCA role (speech pathology and dietetics) was piloted for three months at a metropolitan tertiary rehabilitation service.
Our aim was to develop and deliver interprofessional clinical activity that targets patient goals and increases value-based, patient-centred health care.
Through an iterative process, a delegation workflow was established, interprofessional tasks were developed and delivered. Evaluation of clinical activity, tasks distribution and role satisfaction was undertaken.
There was a 23% increase in activity after implementing interprofessional tasks through the IPCA role, compared to single profession tasks. Time (minutes) spent on clinical activity increased by 5%. Staff working as IPCA’s commented that interprofessional practice provided a positive contribution to patient-centred care. A suite of interprofessional tasks instructions were developed by combining discipline specific objectives to meet common patient goals.
This pilot has demonstrated the feasibility of a dietitian and speech pathology IPCA through increased clinical efficiency. An increase in clinical time versus activity could be explained by the efficiency of an IPCA model of care. Challenges included a prolonged training period, dual reporting and developing tasks that were reflective of true IP practice. The development of the workflow and suite of interprofessional tasks aided in addressing these challenges. Future directions should focus on measuring patient experience and outcomes with consideration to health economics.
Biography
Jessica Kinneally is a Team Leader Dietitian at STARS in Brisbane. Jess has a passion for service improvement and working with teams to support change management and service efficiency.