Interdisciplinary Allied Health Program

This project is supported by a NEMICS service improvement grant.

A service improvement grant from NEMICS has given Eastern Health patients with cancer access to timely allied health assessment and treatment in their own homes.

The model of care was integrated into existing home nursing services and improved patient experience and access, particularly for older people with cancer. Allied health professionals also made more than 70 referrals to community services, taking pressure off acute cancer services. A model of care and program manual were developed to help other services implement a similar program.

Impacts

Hospital in the home (HITH) allied health services were found to have a lower rate of ‘Did not attend appointments’ than other services. The program was acceptable, timely, effective, and improved patient experience – particularly for older people with cancer.

Allied health staff were able to identify the need for ongoing support and made 70 individual referrals to community services – decreasing the burden on acute cancer services and facilitating community management.

Contact

Ms Ashlee Miller-Jenkins, ashlee.millerjenkins@easternhealth.org.au