Client: Northern Qld Rural Division of General Practice

Development of a model for the provision of an integrated outreach allied health service to enhance primary health care in north west Qld.

Project timeline 5 months, January 2001-May 2001

Brief description:

• Review and gap analysis of existing allied health services in north west Qld

• Community consultation with respect to perceived need and context for service delivery, involving extensive travel in north west Qld

• Analysis of available data to determine service mix and frequency of service required

• Identification of recruitment and retention strategies for a sustainable allied health workforce

• Consultation with local allied health professionals to develop employment structures and options favourable to recruitment and retention of health professionals

• Negotiation with organizations currently providing allied health services to increase the critical mass of allied health professionals in the north west

• Identification and negotiation with potential purchasers of allied health services ie HACC, DVA, CRS

• Review of other outreach services operating in Qld and the Northern Territory

• Development of health service model and workforce required, inclusive of recruitment and retention strategies

• Detailed costing for 3 year project

• Development of a formative and summative evaluation framework

• Preparation of funding submission to Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, under the Regional Health Strategy

Outcome:

Northern Qld Rural Division fully funded to implement and evaluate the outreach model in North West Qld. Service delivery commenced in April 2002, and the North West Qld Allied Health Service has been expanded to provide services into central west Queensland. It has entered its second funding contract. In addition the service is expanding its operation as a provider under purchaser provider arrangements with a number of community agencies, and through further Commonwealth and State funding.