Integrated Allied Health in Rural Communities

Overview

Initiative type

Model of Care

Status

Close

Published

11 September 2017

Summary

The project has adopted a multi-pronged approach to improve the accessibility and financial sustainability of allied health services in the region via the following key components:

  1. The development of the role of Allied Health Assistants.
  2. Increased access to Telehealth services.
  3. An integrated funding model that allows for services to be funded across multiple channels, rather than provided as separate outreach. This includes the ability for public and private services to be provided through a single clinician.
  4. A coordinated allied health planning approach that accounts for the needs of communities across the region with the aim of maximising access to services while minimising unnecessary costs.
  5. Shared infrastructure, including equipment and workspaces, across disciplines and providers.

Key dates

Jan 2016 - Feb 2017

Implementation sites

Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service

Partnerships

Healthcare Improvement Unit, Central Queensland, Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast PHN

Aim

Increase access to Allied Health Telehealth services within the Banana Shire.

Benefits

  • Consumer focused care.
  • Integrated multi-disciplinary care.
  • Effective management and health planning.
  • Increased Allied Health services.
  • Less patient waiting and travel time.

Background

The Integrated Care Innovation Fund provides financial support to innovative projects that deliver better integration of care, address fragmentation in services and provide high-value healthcare. Funded projects also demonstrate a willingness to embrace and encourage the uptake of new technology alongside the benefits of integrating care and improving communication between health care sectors.

Solutions implemented

  • Development of employment models and partnerships to allow staff to work across State, Federal and private practice services
  • Establishment of training programs and positions to support funding and the development of the Allied Health Assistant role within partner organisations in rural communities.
  • Shared infrastructure.

Key contact

Deirdre Fagan-Pagliano

Principal Project Officer

Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service

Email:  deirdre.fagan-pagliano@cqrdgp.com.au

Last updated: April 2025

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