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The introduction of electronic medical records has created vast opportunities in relation to data storage, visibility and extraction. In Allied Health the collection, storage, display and reporting of service statistics is a key opportunity to utilise the capabilities of the electronic medical record to reduce clinician time completing data entry, improve accuracy and visibility of available data and maximise opportunities to view and utilise service statistic information in clinical and operational decision making. This case study describes service statistic capture and extraction for a speech pathology department, pre- and post- the introduction of a digital dashboard. A new Allied Health digital dashboard was created via clinicians and informaticians working collaboratively to define service delivery elements for data extraction and design dashboard functionality. Descriptive comparison of data capture pre- and post- dashboard implementation was undertaken. The integration of service statistic information into a digital dashboard was found to support service statistic reporting, improve ease of access, and provide greater visibility and timeliness of service information.

As health systems face increasing demands, non-medical prescribing is a workforce redesign strategy adopted within some services. Despite successful implementation in other professional groups, non-medical prescribing within speech pathology (SP) has not yet been described.To provide a descriptive account of the development and planned implementation of two SP prescribing models.The evolution of two SP-led prescribing models, including relevant training and credentialing, for use of (1) nystatin oral drops (100,000 units/mL); and (2) lidocaine (lignocaine) and phenylephrine nasal spray (5 mg/500 μg/spray), in the outpatient setting is detailed. Challenges to implementation are outlined.The development of relevant governance structures, a research evidenced-based project evaluation framework, and an overview of training pathways and credentialing was successfully completed. However, implementation of the models was unable to be achieved. A thorough review of the requirements and a discussion of contextual considerations that had a negative influence on the implementation of SP-led prescribing within this specific service context is provided.The successful implementation of SP-led prescribing is complex and highly context dependent. This work offers a discussion and review of the complexities of introducing a non-medical prescribing model in an outpatient hospital setting.What is already known on the subject Allied Health prescribing is an emerging practice area aiming to reduce current pressures on health services. SP-led prescribing has not been thoroughly investigated in the Australian context. What this study adds to existing knowledge This study describes the development of a SP-led prescribing process in the outpatient setting, and a thorough review and discussion of the drivers and barriers to the model's implementation. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The successful implementation of SP-led prescribing was identified to be complex from a legislative and operational perspective, as well as being highly context dependent. This study further highlights the importance of a thorough context evaluation and workflow mapping prior to full-scale implementation of SP prescribing trials.

Although existing studies of audiology first point of contact clinics which screen for retrocochlear pathology have demonstrated positive clinical outcomes, they have provided limited information regarding service impacts. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate both the clinical and health service outcomes of an audiology first point of contact (FPOC) clinic for adults referred to ENT services with suspected retrocochlear pathology.Retrospective cohort study.All 1123 patients referred to the clinic over a 6-year period (2013-2019).Most (73.7%) of the 1123 patients referred to the Retrocochlear Clinic were managed and discharged by the audiologist and did not require ENT appointment. Almost half (43.1%) were directly referred for MRI imaging, of which 4 (1.1%) were diagnosed with Vestibular Schwannoma. Waiting times for first appointments significantly (This audiology FPOC Retrocochlear Clinic was shown to be a safe and effective alternative service model.

Purpose: Early evidence supports the safety and efficiency of extended scope speech-language pathology (SLP) clinics designed to manage low risk ear nose and throat (ENT) outpatient referrals, howe...

Background: Early detection of dysphagia can reduce associated medical sequelae and subsequent burden of care. As most patients admitted to acute care services present first via the emergency department (ED), timely speech-language pathology (SLP) involvement in ED services may improve patient and service outcomes. To date, however, there is limited knowledge of the nature of current dysphagia management practices within EDs. Methods and procedures: A national online survey was utilized to explore SLP service provision, referral patterns, dysphagia assessment/management practices and perceptions of SLP services within the Australian ED setting. Respondents represented 68 clinical facilities across Australia. Outcomes and results: Almost all (97%) reported providing SLP-led dysphagia services in the ED, though occasions of service were low (

Extended scope of practice roles can address health service challenges and enhance patient services; however there has been limited research of extended scope roles in the discipline of speech-language pathology (SLP). The aim of this study was to examine the clinical outcomes and service impacts of a Speech-Language Pathology Allied Health Practitioner (SLP AHP) led dysphagia and dysphonia service within an Integrated Specialist Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Service.Low risk referrals were triaged by ENT from the waiting list into the SLP AHP dysphagia and dysphonia clinic. Outcomes from an initial 6-month pilot phase (n = 43) and 6-month implementation phase (n = 158) were evaluated.Approximately 70% of patients managed in the SLP AHP clinic in both phases were discharged without requiring separate ENT appointments. There were no adverse events. In the pilot phase, only 4.3% of medium priority and 10% of low priority referrals were seen within clinically recommended time frames. This improved to 90% in the final three months of the implementation phase.With appropriate governance and risk management, an extended scope SLP AHP service for low risk dysphagia and dysphonia can achieve safe, effective and beneficial changes to ENT service delivery.