Satisfaction with referral relationships between general practice and allied health professionals in Australian primary health care

2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bibiana Chan ◽  
Judy Proudfoot ◽  
Nick Zwar ◽  
Gawaine Powell Davies ◽  
Mark F. Harris
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Shared Care ◽  
Working Relationships ◽  
Optimal Care ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Intervention Measures ◽  
The Impact

Chronic diseases require a multidisciplinary approach to provide patients with optimal care in general practice. This often involves general practitioners (GPs) referring their patients to allied health professionals (AHPs). The Team-link study explored the impact of an intervention to enhance working relationships between GPs and AHPs in general practice regarding the management of two chronic diseases: diabetes and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) or hypertension. The Measure of Multidisciplinary Linkages (MoML) questionnaire was developed to assess professional interactions and satisfaction with various aspects of the multidisciplinary relationship. Questionnaires were completed at baseline and 6 months by GPs (n = 29) participating in the Team-link project and by AHPs (n = 39) who had a current working relationship with these GPs. The Chronic Care Team Profile (CCTP) and Clinical Linkages Questionnaire (CLQ) were also completed by GPs. There were significant changes from baseline to 6 months after the intervention measures for individual items and overall MoML scores for GPs, especially items assessing ‘contact’, ‘shared care’ and ‘satisfaction with communication’. The comparable item in the CLQ, ‘Shared Care’, also showed significant improvement. However, there were no statistically significant correlations between the change in overall ‘Referral Satisfaction’ scores in the GP MoML and the CLQ. The CCTP also improved and was a weak negative correlation between the GP MoML and two of the subscores of this instrument. There were no changes in AHP measure. This study demonstrates that the instrument is sensitive to differences between providers and conditions and is sensitive to change over time following an intervention. There were few associations with the other measures suggesting that the MoML might assess other aspects of teamwork involving practitioners who are not collocated or in the same organisation.

scholarly journals Importance of safety climate, teamwork climate and demographics: understanding nurses, allied health professionals and clerical staff perceptions of patient safety

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. e000433
Author(s):  
Shahram Zaheer ◽  
Liane R Ginsburg ◽  
Hannah J Wong ◽  
Kelly Thomson ◽  
Lorna Bain
Keyword(s):  
Patient Safety ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Safety Climate ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Senior Leadership ◽  
Staff Perceptions ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Leadership Support ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundThere is growing evidence regarding the importance of contextual factors for patient/staff outcomes and the likelihood of successfully implementing safety improvement interventions such as checklists; however, certain literature gaps still remain—for example, lack of research examining the interactive effects of safety constructs on outcomes. This study has addressed some of these gaps, together with adding to our understanding of how context influences safety.PurposeThe impact of staff perceptions of safety climate (ie, senior and supervisory leadership support for safety) and teamwork climate on a self-reported safety outcome (ie, overall perceptions of patient safety (PS)) were examined at a hospital in Southern Ontario.MethodsCross-sectional survey data were collected from nurses, allied health professionals and unit clerks working on intensive care, general medicine, mental health or emergency department.ResultsHierarchical regression analyses showed that perceptions of senior leadership (p<0.001) and teamwork (p<0.001) were significantly associated with overall perceptions of PS. A non-significant association was found between perceptions of supervisory leadership and the outcome variable. However, when staff perceived poorer senior leadership support for safety, the positive effect of supervisory leadership on overall perceptions of PS became significantly stronger (p<0.05).Practice implicationsOur results suggest that leadership support at one level (ie, supervisory) can substitute for the absence of leadership support for safety at another level (ie, senior level). While healthcare organisations should recruit into leadership roles and retain individuals who prioritise safety and possess adequate relational competencies, the field would now benefit from evidence regarding how to build leadership support for PS. Also, it is important to provide on-site workshops on topics (eg, conflict management) that can strengthen working relationships across professional and unit boundaries.

scholarly journals Qualitative investigation of the perceptions and experiences of nursing and allied health professionals involved in the implementation of an enriched environment in an Australian acute stroke unit

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. e018226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingrid C M Rosbergen ◽  
Sandra G Brauer ◽  
Sarah Fitzhenry ◽  
Rohan S Grimley ◽  
Kathryn S Hayward
Keyword(s):  
Change Management ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Stroke Unit ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Enriched Environment ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Acute Stroke Unit ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveAn enriched environment embedded in an acute stroke unit can increase activity levels of patients who had stroke, with changes sustained 6 months post-implementation. The objective of this study was to understand perceptions and experiences of nursing and allied health professionals involved in implementing an enriched environment in an acute stroke unit.DesignA descriptive qualitative approach.SettingAn acute stroke unit in a regional Australian hospital.ParticipantsWe purposively recruited three allied health and seven nursing professionals involved in the delivery of the enriched environment. Face-to-face, semistructured interviews were conducted 8 weeks post-completion of the enriched environment study. One independent researcher completed all interviews. Voice-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed by three researchers using a thematic approach to identify main themes.ResultsThree themes were identified. First, staff perceived that ‘the road to recovery had started’ for patients. An enriched environment was described to shift the focus to recovery in the acute setting, which was experienced through increased patient activity, greater psychological well-being and empowering patients and families. Second, ‘it takes a team’ to successfully create an enriched environment. Integral to building the team were positive interdisciplinary team dynamics and education. The impact of the enriched environment on workload was diversely experienced by staff. Third, ‘keeping it going’ was perceived to be challenging. Staff reflected that changing work routines was difficult. Contextual factors such as a supportive physical environment and variety in individual enrichment opportunities were indicated to enhance implementation. Key to sustaining change was consistency in staff and use of change management strategies.ConclusionInvestigating staff perceptions and experiences of an enrichment model in an acute stroke unit highlighted the need for effective teamwork. To facilitate staff in their new work practice, careful selection of change management strategies are critical to support clinical translation of an enriched environment.Trial registration numberANZCTN12614000679684; Results.

Research culture in allied health: a systematic review

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna Borkowski ◽  
Carol McKinstry ◽  
Matthew Cotchett ◽  
Cylie Williams ◽  
Terry Haines
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Research Culture ◽  
Positive Research ◽  
Research Skills ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
The Impact

Research evidence is required to guide optimal allied health practice and inform policymakers in primary health care. Factors that influence a positive research culture are not fully understood, and nor is the impact of a positive research culture on allied health professionals. The aim of this systematic review was to identify factors that affect allied health research culture and capacity. An extensive search of 11 databases was conducted in June 2015. Studies were included if they were published in English, had full-text availability and reported research findings relating to allied health professions. Study quality was evaluated using the McMaster Critical Review Forms. Fifteen studies were eligible for inclusion. A meta-analysis was not performed because of heterogeneity between studies. Allied health professionals perceive that their individual research skills are lower in comparison to their teams and organisation. Motivators for conducting research for allied health professionals include developing skills, increasing job satisfaction and career advancement. Barriers include a lack of time, limited research skills and other work roles taking priority. Multilayered strategies, such as collaborations with external partners and developing research leadership positions, aimed at addressing barriers and enablers, are important to enhance allied health research culture and capacity.

scholarly journals The CDM-Net Project: The Development, Implementation and Evaluation of a Broadband-Based Network for Managing Chronic Disease

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Kay Jones ◽  
Trisha Dunning ◽  
Beth Costa ◽  
Kristine Fitzgerald ◽  
Akuh Adaji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Disease Management ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Chronic Disease Management ◽  
Management Service ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact

Background. In Australia most chronic disease management is funded by Medicare Australia through General Practitioner Management Plans (GPMPs) and Team Care Arrangements (TCAs). Identified barriers may be reduced effectively using a broadband-based network known as the Chronic Disease Management Service (CDMS). Aims. To measure the uptake and adherence to CDMS, test CDMS, and assess the adherence of health providers and patients to GPMPs and TCAs generated through CDMS. Methods. A single cohort before and after study. Results. GPMPs and TCAs increased. There was no change to prescribed medicines or psychological quality of life. Attendance at allied health professionals increased, but decreased at pharmacies. Overall satisfaction with CDMS was high among GPs, allied health professionals, and patients. Conclusion. This study demonstrates proof of concept, but replication or continuation of the study is desirable to enable the impact of CDMS on diabetes outcomes to be determined.

scholarly journals Profiling bone and joint problems and health service use in an Australian regional population: The Port Lincoln Health Study

2013 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clarabelle Pham ◽  
Tiffany K. Gill ◽  
Elizabeth Hoon ◽  
Muhammad Aziz Rahman ◽  
Deirdre Whitford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Care Pathways ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Regional Population

Objectives To describe the burden of bone and joint problems (BJP) in a defined regional population, and to identify characteristics and service-usage patterns. Methods In 2010, a health census of adults aged ≥15 years was conducted in Port Lincoln, South Australia. A follow-up computer-assisted telephone interview provided more specific information about those with BJP. Results Overall, 3350 people (42%) reported current BJP. General practitioners (GP) were the most commonly used provider (85%). People with BJP were also 85% more likely to visit chiropractors, twice as likely to visit physiotherapists and 34% more likely to visit Accident and Emergency or GP out of hours (compared with the rest of the population). Among the phenotypes, those with BJP with co-morbidities were more likely to visit GP, had a significantly higher mean pain score and higher levels of depression or anxiety compared with those with BJP only. Those with BJP only were more likely to visit physiotherapists. Conclusions GP were significant providers for those with co-morbidities, the group who also reported higher levels of pain and mental distress. GP have a central role in effectively managing this phenotype within the BJP population including linking allied health professionals with general practice to manage BJP more efficiently. What is known about the topic? As a highly prevalent group of conditions that are likely to impact on health-related quality of life and are a common cause of severe long-term disability, musculoskeletal conditions place a significant burden on individuals and the health system. However, far less is known about access and usage of musculoskeletal-related health services and programs in Australia. What does this paper add? As a result of analysing the characteristics of the overall BJP population, as well as phenotypes within it, a greater understanding of patterns of health service interactions, care pathways and opportunities for targeted improvements in delivery of care may be identified. The results emphasise that participants with BJP utilised the services of a narrow range of providers, which may have workforce implications for these sectors. The funding models for physiotherapists and chiropractors in Australia involve a mix of private and fees for service, which limits access to those who have private health insurance or can pay directly for these services. What are the implications for practitioners? These analyses indicate the importance of linking allied health professionals with general practice to manage BJP more efficiently. Alternative and appropriate care pathways need to be more strongly developed and identified for effective management of these conditions rather than relying on a traditional range of practitioners. Alternatively, greater ease of access to allied health practitioners may enable more effective treatment and improved quality of life for those with BJP. There is an urgent need to develop an effective population-based model of integrated care for BJP within regional Australia.

Prescribing errors in general practice

2022 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-29
Author(s):  
Jennifer McCutcheon
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Prescribing Errors ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Prescribing Error

Prescribing errors are relatively common in general practice. Jennifer McCutcheon provides an overview of common prescribing errors and how they can be prevented Nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals are increasingly becoming prescribers and many of them work autonomously in general practice. Prescribing professionals have a duty to understand what a prescribing error is, common examples of errors in practice, how they are prevented and how they can be investigated and reported should they occur.

Evaluation of a program to assist usage of the Enhanced Primary Care case conferencing and care planning items: The allied health professionals' viewpoint

2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Sims ◽  
Theonie Tacticos ◽  
Maria Patiriadis ◽  
Lucio Naccarella
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Care Planning ◽  
Appropriate Use ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Education Support ◽  
Practice Education

The General Practice Education, Support and Community Linkages Program was introduced to formally support implementation and appropriate use of the Enhanced Primary Care Medicare Benefits Schedule items. This paper reports upon the Program?s implementation from the allied health professional?s perspective. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2002 with healthcare staff trained under the Program. While interviewees noted achievements in the items? uptake during the Program, allied health involvement in case conferencing and care planning had been impeded by GPs? limited adoption of the items. Allied health professionals were broadly interested in participating in care planning and case conferencing with GPs. The General Practice Education, Support and Community Linkages Program supported implementation and appropriate use of the Enhanced Primary Care Medicare Benefits Schedule items. While allied health professionals are generally interested in participating in care planning and case conferencing with GPs, such activity requires ongoing systems support and relationship building. Ample scope remains for awareness raising, relationship building and joint activities across the sector. Future item usage will need to be supported by resources and continued relationship building.

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