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In the CHN Needs Assessment 2021-24, stakeholders identified significant gaps in the utilisation of the allied health workforce. These gaps are particularly evident in the creation of multidisciplinary team (MDT) care to enhance patient support, especially in primary care and chronic condition management. While there is an ample supply of workers in some fields such as dietetics and physiotherapy, the lack of publicly funded services has resulted in a shortage of service delivery.
An Allied Health Engagement Officer joined CHN in late 2023 to lead CHN’s engagement with the sector, following the National PHN Allied Health in Primary Care Engagement Framework. By working closely with Allied Health professionals (AHPs), CHN can significantly contribute to supporting AHPs as an essential part of an integrated health system, resulting in a collaboration that contributes to focus on improving health outcomes. This involves regular stakeholder engagement with AHPs in primary care, community, public health, academia, as well as PHNs, national groups, peak bodies, and other relevant stakeholders, such as the ACT Office of the Chief Allied Health Officer and the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC).
The primary health care sector has been the focus of our team’s efforts to better understand opportunities and to identify gaps in community needs for allied health services and multidisciplinary models of care. This involves active stakeholder engagement with the AHPs in primary care sector and the community. Through these collaborative efforts, CHN has gained valuable insights into areas that require improvement or further attention. By liaising with peak bodies, CHN has developed free clinical education webinars for AHPs and MDTs, covering topics where gaps may have been identified. CHN has also shared the positive impacts of integrating a Social Worker in General Practice with health leaders at the 2024 ACT Allied Health Professional Associations Forum, and other opportunities. including conferences and the Department of Health and Aged Care – Allied Health and Service Integration Branch meeting.
