Health Portals

2011 ◽  
pp. 431-436
Author(s):  
Daniel Carbone
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Behaviour ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Efficient Technology ◽  
Illness Behaviour ◽  
Delivery Of Health Services

A lack of health services has long been the thorn in the side of many communities, especially rural and regional communities. The high costs of treating ever growing chronic and complex conditions in traditional settings, where rural allied health services providers are non-existent and doctors are already overcommitted, are prompting a shift in focus to more efficient technology driven delivery of health services. Moreover, these days it is also increasingly unlikely that health professionals will encounter patients who have not used information technology to influence their health knowledge, health behaviour, perception of symptoms, and illness behaviour.

Health Portals

2011 ◽  
pp. 57-64
Author(s):  
Daniel Carbone
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Efficient Technology ◽  
Technical Content ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Barriers And Opportunities ◽  
Delivery Of Health Services

A lack of health services has long been the thorn in the side of many communities, especially rural and regional communities. The high costs of treating ever growing chronic and complex conditions in traditional settings, where rural allied health services providers are non-existent and doctors are already overcommitted, are prompting a shift in focus to more efficient technology driven delivery of health services. Moreover, these days it is also increasingly unlikely that health professionals will encounter patients who have not used information technology to influence their health knowledge, health behaviour, perception of symptoms, and illness behaviour. Advances in Internet technologies offer promise towards the development of an e-health care system. This article will postulate whether portal technologies can play a role facilitating the transition to such e-health care systems. This article aims at reviewing the literature to present to the reader the barriers and opportunities out here for effective health portals. However, the article does not intend to provide a one-fits-all technical/content solution, only to make implementers and developers aware of the potential implications.

scholarly journals Clinical supervision for allied health staff: necessary but not sufficient

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra G. Leggat ◽  
Bev Phillips ◽  
Philippa Pearce ◽  
Margaret Dawson ◽  
Debbie Schulz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Clinical Supervision ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Clinical Governance ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Australian Health ◽  
The Relationship

Objectives The aim of the present study was to explore the perspectives of allied health professionals on appropriate content for effective clinical supervision of staff. Methods A set of statements regarding clinical supervision was identified from the literature and confirmed through a Q-sort process. The final set was administered as an online survey to 437 allied health professionals working in two Australian health services. Results Of the 120 respondents, 82 had experienced six or more clinical supervision sessions and were included in the analysis. Respondents suggested that clinical supervision was beneficial to both staff and patients, and was distinct from line management performance monitoring and development. Curiously, some of the respondents did not agree that observation of the supervisee’s clinical practice was an aspect of clinical supervision. Conclusions Although clinical supervision is included as a pillar of clinical governance, current practice may not be effective in addressing clinical risk. Australian health services need clear organisational policies that outline the relationship between supervisor and supervisee, the role and responsibilities of managers, the involvement of patients and the types of situations to be communicated to the line managers. What is known about the topic? Clinical supervision for allied health professionals is an essential component of clinical governance and is aimed at ensuring safe and high-quality care. However, there is varied understanding of the relationship between clinical supervision and performance management. What does this paper add? This paper provides the perspectives of allied health professionals who are experienced as supervisors or who have experienced supervision. The findings suggest a clear role for clinical supervision that needs to be better recognised within organisational policy and procedure. What are the implications for practitioners? Supervisors and supervisees must remember their duty of care and ensure compliance with organisational policies in their clinical supervisory practices.

scholarly journals The role of information technology in strengthening human resources for health

2013 ◽  
Vol 114 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Sarkis ◽  
Lillian Mwanri
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Human Resources For Health ◽  
English Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Pacific

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss innovative ways of addressing human resources for health (HRH) shortage in the Pacific, supported by a review of the literature and the Pacific Open Learning Health Network (POLHN), a programme created in response to the Pacific's HRH concern. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic search was conducted of English literature between 1990 and 2012. A number of key words, singly and/or in combination, were used to search for articles on ProQuest and PubMed. Original articles were identified and reference lists scrutinised to obtain additional literature. Due to the paucity of information, only narrative review was conducted and themes emerging from the literature identified and critically reviewed. Findings – There is a worldwide HRH shortage and a need to improve the skills of the health workforce to respond to changing population health needs. Continuing education (CE) through use of information technology (IT) is a means to strengthen HRH. POLHN is one example of an initiative to improve health worker skills and motivation. Technological change is increasingly common place in society. To make sense of these changes, practitioners can look for common themes in successful technological innovations of interactivity; information access, creation or sharing; communication; and simplicity. To ensure effective regulation of CE and IT there is a need to incorporate qualitative as well as quantitative measures, to prioritise the creation of quality, relevant, and appropriate resources and to facilitate access and active participation by health workers. Originality/value – The paper highlights the complexity of HRH shortage as a global problem, which demands multiple initiatives to respond to the shortage in the pursuit of skilled, equitable and just delivery of health services and distribution of health service providers. One initiative that has worked elsewhere is professional development of health professionals through the provision of CE using IT. Online learning offers a pathway to address HRH shortage and overcomes challenges posed by distance, limited infrastructure and in small remote communities. POLHN contributes to improved skills and knowledge among health professionals who can, as a result, deliver better health services in a region as geographically dispersed and isolated as the Pacific.

scholarly journals An assessment of the needs of oncology outpatients for the development of Allied Health Services

2000 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pam McGrath ◽  
Veronica Corcoran ◽  
Angela O'Malia
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Mater Hospital ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Practical Information ◽  
Theoretical Issues

This article presents the findings of a study that arose out of the desire by the Allied Health Professionals(AHP) at the Mater Hospital, Brisbane, to better understand the needs of their clients in order to beable to offer a more effective and appropriate service. A questionnaire designed specifically to explorethe needs of patients and their families for AHP services was administered to consecutive patients(n=62) attending the Mater out-patient oncology clinic during one month. The findings provide awealth of practical information for AHPs to use in planning for the effective utilisation of their services,as well as fresh insights into a number of theoretical issues that need further research.

Becoming a clinician researcher in allied health

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desley Harvey ◽  
David Plummer ◽  
Ilsa Nielsen ◽  
Robyn Adams ◽  
Tilley Pain
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Research Output ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Research Career ◽  
Career Trajectory ◽  
Research Relationships

Objective Combining research with clinical practice has benefits for health services and practitioners. There is limited information available on strategies used by health professionals to balance research with high clinical service demands. The aims of the present study were to examine how research is initiated and to identify the factors that influence the successful integration of research into a clinical work role. Methods Semistructured recursive-style interviews were conducted with 15 research-active allied health professionals at regional health services using a combination of criterion and purposive sampling. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using constant comparative techniques to identify dominant themes, which were integrated to create a conceptual model. Results Becoming a clinician researcher involved four phases: (1) a research debut; (2) building momentum; (3) developing a track record; and (4) becoming an established clinician researcher. A research debut was enabled by pre-entry exposure to research or through quality activities, predisposing personal characteristics and research opportunities at work. Quarantined time for research, a research-friendly workplace culture and supportive research relationships enabled a clinician to thrive as a researcher despite the challenges. Conclusion The clinician researcher career trajectory contributes to a better understanding of how a research career commences and develops in clinical settings. It may assist to develop strategies to support research capacity building. What is known about the topic? There are potential benefits for clinicians and health services that flow from incorporating research into clinical roles. Factors that motivate, enable and constrain allied health research in clinical settings have been identified, but little is known about how a research career is initiated and progresses over time. What does this paper add? The present study contributes an important career path understanding to the successful development of research capacity from a clinician perspective. The clinician researcher career trajectory delineates four phases and identifies enabling and constraining factors. The study highlights the combination of factors that can initiate a research debut and lead clinicians to thrive as researchers. What are the implications for practitioners? Conducting research can provide an opportunity for a professional challenge and increased job satisfaction. A research-friendly environment, supportive research relationships and quarantined time for research contribute to research output in clinical settings.

scholarly journals Context Matters: Findings from a Qualitative Study Exploring Service and Place Factors Influencing the Recruitment and Retention of Allied Health Professionals in Rural Australian Public Health Services

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (16) ◽  
pp. 5815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Cosgrave
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Workforce ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Public Health Services ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Recruitment And Retention ◽  
Public Sector Health

Chronic health workforce shortages significantly contribute to unmet health care needs in rural and remote communities. Of particular and growing concern are shortages of allied health professionals (AHPs). This study explored the contextual factors impacting the recruitment and retention of AHPs in rural Australia. A qualitative approach using a constructivist-interpretivist methodology was taken. Semi-structured interviews (n = 74) with executive staff, allied health (AH) managers and newly recruited AHPs working in two rural public health services in Victoria, Australia were conducted. Data was coded and categorised inductively and analysed thematically. The findings suggest that to support a stable and sustainable AH workforce, rural public sector health services need to be more efficient, strategic and visionary. This means ensuring that policies and procedures are equitable and accessible, processes are effective, and action is taken to develop local programs, opportunities and supports that allow AH staff to thrive and grow in place at all grade levels and life stages. This study reinforces the need for a whole-of-community approach to effectively support individual AH workers and their family members in adjusting to a new place and developing a sense of belonging in place. The recommendations arising from this study are likely to have utility for other high-income countries, particularly in guiding AH recruitment and retention strategies in rural public sector health services. Recommendations relating to community/place will likely benefit broader rural health workforce initiatives.

Development of a Maternal and Child mHealth Intervention with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mothers: A Co-Design Approach (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Jane PERKES
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Health Behaviour ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Torres Strait Islander People ◽  
Mhealth Intervention ◽  
Health Behaviour Change ◽  
Torres Strait ◽  
Design Characteristics

BACKGROUND Despite their growing popularity, there are very few mobile health (mHealth) interventions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that are culturally safe and evidence-based. A co-design approach is considered a suitable methodology for developing health interventions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to co-design a mHealth intervention to improve health knowledge, health behaviours, and access to health services for women caring for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. METHODS Aboriginal researchers led engagement and recruitment with health services and participants in three Aboriginal communities in New South Wales Australia. Focus groups and interviews were facilitated by researchers and an app developer to gather information on three pre-determined themes, 1) design characteristics, 2) content modules, and 3) features and functions. Findings from the co-design led to the development of an intervention prototype. Theories of health behaviour change were used to underpin intervention components. Existing publicly available evidence-based information was used to develop content. Governance was provided by an Aboriginal Advisory group RESULTS Thirty-one mothers and 11 health professionals participated in eight co-design focus groups and 12 interviews from June to September 2019. Six design characteristics identified as important were: (1) Credibility, (2) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designs and cultural safety, (3) Family centredness, (4) Supportive, (5) Simple to use, and (6) Confidential. Content modules include six modules for women’s health: (1) Smoke free families, (2) Safe drinking, (3) Feeling Good, (4) Women’s Business, (5) Eating, (6) Exercise; and six modules for children’s health: (1) Breathing Well, (2) Sleeping, (3) Milestones, (4) Feeding and Eating, (5) Vaccinations and Medicine, and (6) Ears, Eyes and Teeth. Six technology features and functions were also identified: (1) Content feed, (2) Social connection, (3) Reminders, (4) Rewards, (5) Communication with health professionals, and (6) Use of videos. CONCLUSIONS An mHealth intervention including app, Facebook page, and text message modalities was developed based on the co-design findings. The intervention incorporates health behaviour change theory, evidence-based information and the preferences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and health professionals. A pilot study is now needed to assess the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention.

scholarly journals Improving access to allied health professionals through the Champlain BASE™eConsult service: a cross-sectional study in Canada

2017 ◽  
Vol 67 (664) ◽  
pp. e757-e763 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fanny McKellips ◽  
Erin Keely ◽  
Amir Afkham ◽  
Clare Liddy
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Specialties

BackgroundAllied health services are an important part of providing effective team-based care. The Champlain BASE™ (Building Access to Specialists through eConsultation) eConsult service facilitates quick and secure communication between primary care providers (PCPs) and allied health professionals (AHPs).AimTo assess the eConsult service’s ability to improve access to advice from AHPs.Design and settingA cross-sectional study was carried out on all cases submitted to AHPs through the eConsult service between April 2011 and May 2016. The service covers Ottawa, Canada, and its surrounding rural communities.MethodA descriptive overview of all cases submitted to allied health services was conducted. Utilisation and survey metrics for AHP eConsults were compared with those sent to medical specialties, in order to understand the potential differences and generalisability of eConsult access beyond the traditional medical specialty referral.ResultsPCPs submitted 127 cases to nine allied health specialties during the study period. The most popular specialty was clinical pharmacist, which received an average of 1.5 cases per month. The median specialist response time was 2.1 days (interquartile range [IQR] 0.7–5.3 days, range 0.01–14.2 days) versus 0.9 days (IQR 0.2–3.4 days, range 0–49.5 days) for medical specialties. PCPs received advice for a new or additional course of action in 70% (versus 58% for medical specialties) of cases. They rated the service as being of high or very high value for their patients in 88% of cases (versus 93% for medical specialties), and for themselves in 89% (94% for medical specialties) of cases.ConclusionThe eConsult service has demonstrated the ability to support prompt communication between PCPs and AHPs, improving patients’ access to AHP care. Given the importance of AHPs in providing primary care, allied health services should be offered in the menu of specialties available through electronic consultation services.

Australia’s ‘Better Access’ scheme: Has it had an impact on population mental health?

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (11) ◽  
pp. 1057-1062 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony F Jorm
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Suicide Rate ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Detectable Effect ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
Access Scheme

Background: Australia introduced the Better Access scheme in late 2006, which resulted in a large increase in the provision of mental health services by general practitioners (GPs), clinical psychologists, other psychologists and allied health professionals. It is unknown whether this increase in services has had an effect on the mental health of the population. Methods: The following data were examined: per capita use of mental health services provided by GPs, clinical psychologists, other psychologists, allied health professionals and psychiatrists from 2006 to 2015 according to the Australian Government Department of Human Services; prevalence of psychological distress in adults (as measured by the K10) from National Health Surveys in 2001, 2004–2005, 2007–2008, 2011–2012 and 2014–2015; and the annual suicide rate from 2001 to 2015 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Results: The large increase in the use of mental health services after the introduction of the Better Access scheme had no detectable effect on the prevalence of very high psychological distress or the suicide rate. Conclusion: Better Access has not had a detectable effect on the mental health of the Australian population.

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