Service delivery preferences for consumers of allied health: an organisation-wide survey and audit
Laura Jolliffe1,2, David Snowdon1,2, Natalie Bozyk2, Kirsten Caspers2, Cylie Williams2 1Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia2Peninsula Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Abstract
Background: Allied health services are traditionally delivered Monday to Friday, between 9am-5pm. In an evolving 24 hour/7-day week public healthcare system, we need to consider how allied health services are delivered, and if they meet the preference of consumers.
Method: A multi-site cross-sectional survey and retrospective medical file audit was conducted at a large Victorian public health service. Both inpatient and outpatient cohorts were invited to participate in the 12-item survey that asked about allied health input, day of week and time of day preferences. Clinical information was extracted from medical records and compared to self-reported data.
Results: In total, 120 people participated in the study. Most (70%) received allied health input, however of the 92 inpatient responders, almost half (44%) were unaware or unsure of the specific allied health profession involved. Across all settings physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, and social work were most represented (48%, 38%, 24% and 19% respectively). Few received speech pathology (4%) or podiatry (3%), and no one received neuropsychology or clinical psychology (despite consumer-initiated requests). Inpatient responders had no strong day or time preference for receiving allied health input. Outpatient responders preferred weekday 8am-12pm to accommodate work/family schedules.
Discussion: Allied health play a vital role in healthcare provision however our results suggest that many consumers are unaware of receiving allied health services. Service delivery met consumers day/time preferences, however unmet consumer need for psychology input was identified. It is unknown if these needs were linked to priority health or social needs.
Biography
Laura Jolliffe is the Allied Health Research and Knowledge Translation Lead at Peninsula Health, and, a Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Therapy (Monash University).