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Raymer M, Swete Kelly P, O'Leary S. Developing and embedding an advanced practice musculoskeletal physiotherapy service in public specialist outpatient services in Queensland: A health service masterclass. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2024; 70:102917. [PMID: 38309180 DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2024.102917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Screening Clinic and Multi-disciplinary Service (MPSC&MDS) is an advanced practice physiotherapist-led model of care developed initially to address overburdened specialist orthopaedic outpatient public hospital services across Queensland, Australia. PURPOSE This Masterclass explores the experiences and success of embedding the MPSC&MDS state-wide across the Queensland public health system and its expansion in scale and reach to other specialist services. Key characteristics and development strategies are described that have collectively underpinned the expansion and sustainability of the service, using relevant stream sections and themes from a recommended musculoskeletal model of care framework. IMPLICATIONS The aim of this masterclass is to be informative for readers involved in the future development or refinement of similar models of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maree Raymer
- Physiotherapy Department, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia.
| | - Patrick Swete Kelly
- Physiotherapy Department, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia.
| | - Shaun O'Leary
- Physiotherapy Department, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Brandenburg C, Ward EC, Schwarz M, Palmer M, Hartley C, Byrnes J, Coccetti A, Phillips R, Wishart LR. 'The big value of it is getting the patient seen by the right person at the right time': clinician perceptions of the value of allied health primary contact models of care. Int J Qual Health Care 2024; 36:mzae021. [PMID: 38442741 DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzae021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Allied health primary contact clinic models of care have increasingly been used as a strategy to increase public health service capacity. A recent systematic review found little consistency or agreement on how primary contact clinics are evaluated. The concept of value of primary contact clinics, which has important implications for evaluation, has not yet been explored in-depth. To explore allied health clinicians' perceptions of the value of allied health primary contact clinics, with the goal of informing an evaluation framework, a descriptive qualitative approach utilizing semi-structured interviews was employed. Participants included allied health staff embedded in clinical lead roles within primary contact clinics across four acute care hospitals in a metropolitan health service located in South-East Queensland, Australia. Lead staff from 30 identified primary contact clinic models in the health service were approached to take part via email. All eligible participants who provided consent were included. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used. A total of 23 clinicians (n = 23) representing 22 diverse models of primary contact clinics participated. Most participants were physiotherapists, dietitians, or occupational therapists, although speech pathology, audiology, and podiatry were also represented. Participant perceptions of the 'value' of PCCs were a highly complex phenomenon, comprising five intersecting domains: (i) patient satisfaction; (ii) clinical outcomes; (iii) care pathway and resource use; (iv) health service performance; and (v) staff satisfaction and professional standing. These five core value domains were positively or negatively influenced by 12 perceived benefits and 8 perceived drawbacks, respectively. Value domains were also highly interrelated and impacted upon each other. The concept of 'value' relating to primary contact clinics involves multiple intersecting domains encompassing different perspectives. This study highlighted potential benefits and drawbacks of primary contact clinics that have not yet been measured or explored in the literature, and as such may be useful for healthcare administrators to consider. The findings of this study will inform an evaluation framework including health economics calculator for primary contact clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Brandenburg
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Health, 199 Ipswich Road, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Elizabeth C Ward
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Health, 199 Ipswich Road, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Fred Schonell Drive, Brisbane, Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Maria Schwarz
- Allied Health, Metro South Health, Cnr Armstrong and Loganlea Roads Brisbane, Queensland 4131 Australia
| | - Michelle Palmer
- Nutrition and Dietetics, Logan Hospital, Metro South Health, Cnr Armstrong and Loganlea Roads, Brisbane, Queensland 4131, Australia
| | - Carina Hartley
- Occupational Therapy, Logan Hospital, Metro South Health, Cnr Armstrong and Loganlea Roads, Brisbane, Queensland 4131, Australia
| | - Joshua Byrnes
- Centre for Applied Health Economics, Griffith University, 1 Parklands Dr, Gold Coast, Queensland 4215, Australia
| | - Anne Coccetti
- Metro South Health, QEII Jubilee Hospital, Cnr Kessels and Troughton Roads, Brisbane, Queensland 4108, Australia
| | - Rachel Phillips
- Metro South Health, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 199 Ipswich Road, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Laurelie R Wishart
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Health, 199 Ipswich Road, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Fred Schonell Drive, Brisbane, Queensland 4072 Australia
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Clark PW, Williams LT, Brickley B, Ball L. Minimum reporting standards for process and outcomes assessments for private practice dietitians working in Australian primary care: The Thought Leader Consensus study. Nutr Diet 2023; 80:284-296. [PMID: 36217703 PMCID: PMC10952596 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To identify minimum reporting standards for assessing the processes and outcomes of Australian primary care dietetics practice. METHODS A sequential, mixed-method, exploratory process with peer-nominated Australian 'thought leaders'. A literature review was undertaken to identify possible standards, followed by semi-structured qualitative interviews with thought leaders. Content analysis was used to identify a comprehensive group of items that could inform evidence-based reporting standards. Two rounds of a modified Delphi survey were conducted with the same thought leaders to seek consensus on the most relevant items. Individual items were analysed for content validity, and those with a rating of excellent item-content validity (index >0.78) were included as evidenced-based standards for primary care practice. RESULTS Twenty-six thought leaders (response rate: 87%) from all mainland Australian states completed a qualitative interview and two rounds of modified-Delphi consensus surveys. Items were identified and categorised into three domains: business, clinical, and implementation. Content analysis identified 216 items published or used in practice by the thought leaders. After two rounds of consensus review, 97 items (45 business, 33 clinical, and 19 implementation) achieved excellent consensus ratings. Combining these items into a standardised tool, the scale-content validity index average was >0.90, which is considered excellent content validity. CONCLUSIONS This study has identified minimum reporting standards for evidence-based process and outcome assessments in primary care dietetics practice in Australia. Incorporating such standards into a standardised tool could enable benchmarking across the dietetics workforce and contribute to a broader understanding of the dietetic impact on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W. Clark
- Griffith University School of Allied Health Sciences, Parklands DriveSouthport, Gold CoastQueenslandAustralia
- Healthier You Pty. LtdPort MacquarieNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Lauren T. Williams
- Griffith University School of Allied Health Sciences, Parklands DriveSouthport, Gold CoastQueenslandAustralia
| | - Bryce Brickley
- Griffith University School of Allied Health Sciences, Parklands DriveSouthport, Gold CoastQueenslandAustralia
| | - Lauren Ball
- Griffith University School of Allied Health Sciences, Parklands DriveSouthport, Gold CoastQueenslandAustralia
- Griffith University, Menzies Health Institute QueenslandNathanQueenslandAustralia
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Hall AE, Brandenburg C, Ward EC, Pokorny MA, Trafford K, Seabrook M, Whitfield BCS. Evaluation of health service outcomes for an audiology first point of contact retrocochlear clinic: a 6-year retrospective cohort study. Int J Audiol 2022:1-9. [DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2073477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amber E. Hall
- Speech Pathology and Audiology Department, Logan Hospital, Meadowbrook, Australia
| | - Caitlin Brandenburg
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Elizabeth C. Ward
- Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Health, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Michelle A. Pokorny
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Katye Trafford
- Speech Pathology and Audiology Department, Logan Hospital, Meadowbrook, Australia
| | - Marnie Seabrook
- Speech Pathology and Audiology Department, Logan Hospital, Meadowbrook, Australia
| | - Bernard C. S. Whitfield
- Integrated Specialist ENT Service, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Logan Hospital, Meadowbrook, Australia
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Southport, Australia
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Clark PW, Williams LT, Kirkegaard A, Brickley B, Ball L. Perceptions of private practice dietitians regarding the collection and use of outcomes data in primary healthcare practices: A qualitative study. J Hum Nutr Diet 2021; 35:154-164. [PMID: 34605085 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dietitians working in private practices in primary settings provide nutrition care to support individuals with the prevention and management of chronic disease. A better understanding of the type and usage of data collected by dietitians in this setting may provide insights to optimise the effectiveness and impact of the workforce. The present study explored the perceptions of leading Australian private practice dietitians on the collection and usage of data in their practice. METHODS A qualitative descriptive study of Australian private practice dietitians, recruited by snowball sampling, was conducted on their perceptions and attitudes towards collecting and using data. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews and all interview data were thematically analysed. RESULTS Twenty-three dietitians participated. Five themes emerged: (i) collecting data is challenging, nuanced, unclearly defined and therefore not routinely carried out; (ii) consistent data collection processes are impeded by the diversity of practise and practices; (iii) business-related data collection is essential for sustainable dietetic services; (iv) clinical outcomes are fundamental to dietetic services; and (v) standardised, integrated systems are needed to enable routine data collection and synthesis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate the rudimentary role business acumen has in practice viability and provides evidence to potentially re-shape the future of dietetic education in Australia. Private practice dietitians may benefit from tools and training that enable consistent collection of data about their services. Such data could enable benchmarking across the workforce and contribute to a broader understanding of dietetic impact on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W Clark
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.,Healthier You Pty Ltd, Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia
| | - Lauren T Williams
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Amy Kirkegaard
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Bryce Brickley
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Lauren Ball
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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Stute M, Moretto N, Waters R, Raymer M, Sam S, Bhagwat M, Banks M, Comans T, Buttrum P. Allied health primary contact services: results of a 2-year follow-up study of clinical effectiveness, safety, wait times and impact on medical specialist out-patient waitlists. AUST HEALTH REV 2021; 45:344-352. [PMID: 33271059 DOI: 10.1071/ah19225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective Long specialist out-patient waitlists are common in public health facilities, but not all patients require consultation with a medical specialist. Studies of single allied health primary contact services have shown they provide timely, appropriate care and reduce demand on medical specialist out-patient waitlists. This study evaluated the collective benefits across multiple allied health primary contact services and models to determine their clinical effectiveness, safety, timeliness of care and impact on medical specialist out-patient waitlists. Method Using a prospective observational study design, data were collected and analysed for patients attending 47 allied health primary contact services in Queensland public hospitals over a 2-year period. Outcomes reported are global status, adverse events, wait times and impact on medical specialist out-patient waitlists. Results In all, 10634 patients were managed in and discharged from the allied health services. Most adult patients (80%) who attended at least two consultations reported an improvement in health status. No adverse events were attributed to the model of care. Approximately 68%, 44% and 90% of urgent, semi-urgent and non-urgent out-patients respectively were seen within clinically recommended time frames. Between 35% and 89% of patients were removed from out-patient waitlists without medical specialist consultation across the service models. Conclusions Allied health primary contact services provide safe, effective and timely care. The impact on medical specialist out-patient waitlists varied depending on service model and pathway characteristics. What is known about this topic? Most studies of allied health primary contact services have focused on the management of patients on orthopaedic specialist out-patient waitlists by a physiotherapist. These studies of either individual services or groups of services with the same model cite benefits, including reduced waiting times, high levels of patient and referrer satisfaction, improved conversion to surgery, cost-effectiveness and more effective utilisation of medical specialists. What does this paper add? This paper highlights that, collectively, allied health primary contact services are safe, effective and provide timely care. The proportion of patients independently managed and removed from various medical specialist out-patient waitlists and the services involved are reported, demonstrating the variety of service models. This study reports outcomes for primary contact services for which there is a dearth of published literature, including dietician services for patients on gastroenterology waitlists, speech pathology and audiology services for patients on ear, nose and throat waitlists, occupational therapy hand services for patients on orthopaedic waitlists and physiotherapy led pelvic-health services for patients on gynaecology waitlists. Possibilities for efficiency gains are identified and discussed. What are the implications for practitioners? Health service managers should consider allied health primary contact services as a viable option to increase specialist out-patient capacity. Service model characteristics that maximise impact on medical specialist out-patient waitlist management are highlighted to inform resource allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Stute
- Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Butterfield Street, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia. ; ; ; ; ; ; and Corresponding author.
| | - Nicole Moretto
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital Campus, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia. ;
| | - Rebecca Waters
- Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Butterfield Street, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia. ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Maree Raymer
- Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Butterfield Street, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia. ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Sonia Sam
- Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Butterfield Street, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia. ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Marita Bhagwat
- Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Butterfield Street, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia. ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Merrilyn Banks
- Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Butterfield Street, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia. ; ; ; ; ;
| | - Tracy Comans
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital Campus, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia. ;
| | - Peter Buttrum
- Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Butterfield Street, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia. ; ; ; ; ;
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