Defining the role and scope of practice of allied health assistants within Queensland public health services

Abstract

The Delphi process resulted in key tasks and roles being defined and contentious aspects clearly identified. The process facilitated engagement with workforce members most closely affected by these questions. It was a useful means of drawing together the opinions of the workforce and informing implementation trials to follow.

Rationale and developmental methodology for the SIMPLE approach: A Systematised, Interdisciplinary Malnutrition Pathway for impLementation and Evaluation in hospitals

“…The variation between sites to delegate components of clinical care was noted to be a key opportunity for further exploration. Survey results may in part be attributable to staff capability or willingness to engage with change (individual), versus inability to access allied health assistant staff or influence assistant staff roles or scope of practice (inner setting) . Alternatively, industrial, legislative, and professional role and scope requirements (outer setting) may be substantial barriers to delegation in some contexts .…”

“…This necessitates the need for multi‐dimensional, innovative intervention strategies, flexibly delivered across the continuum of care, by multiple people, at multiple time points . Consequently, a revised inpatient model of care that includes systematised, interdisciplinary, and delegated care processes may be better placed to deliver effective and efficient malnutrition care in acute settings …”

Pilot implementation of allied health assistant roles within publicly funded health services in Queensland, Australia: results of a workplace audit

“…As described elsewhere [28], generic role descriptions for AHAs were developed across 13 allied health professions, through a combination of focus groups, a Delphi survey, and the analysis of existing role descriptions. The majority of these role descriptions were generic in nature (in order to promote role consistency), however in the case of medical imaging, pharmacy and social work, they were contextualised to better fit the particular duties required of assistants in those settings.…”

Building allied health workforce capacity: a strategic approach to workforce innovation

“…As noted in the literature, optimisation of assistants can be achieved when the process is based on skills and confidence instead of relying on established relationships. 10 Clearly, it is important for all assistants to achieve appropriate levels of competency. It is also equally important that AHPs have adequate understanding of the importance of delegating, skills in delegation and confidence in the structures of delegation.…”

“…9 Allied health assistants (AHAs) are support staff who undertake tasks under the supervision and delegation of an AHP to provide allied health services. 10 AHAs work across a broad range of disciplines, settings and clinical environments, including community, rehabilitation, aged care and mental health. 11 Although increasing evidence supports the benefits of AHAs organisationally, 1,2,5,12 there is limited evidence exploring the relationship between workforce capacity building, the extent to which AHAs are working to their full scope of practice and the effectiveness of the AHA within the health workforce.…”