Realist evaluation of allied health management in Queensland: what works, in which contexts and why.

Conclusions The initial middle range theory of allied health organisational structures in Queensland was supported and extended to better understand which contexts were important and which key mechanisms were activated to achieve effective outcomes. Executive allied health leadership roles enable allied health leaders to use their influence in organisational planning and decision-making to ensure allied health professionals deliver successful patient care services. Professional governance systems embed the management and support of the clinical workforce most efficiently within professional disciplines. With consistent data management systems, allied health professional staff can be integrated within clinical teams that provide high-quality care. Interprofessional learning opportunities can enhance collaborative teamwork and, when allied health professionals are supported to understand and use research, they can deliver positive patient and business outcomes for the health service.What is known about the topic? A collective allied health organisational structure encourages engagement of allied health professionals within healthcare organisations. Organisational structures commonly include management and leadership strategies and service delivery models. Allied health leaders in Queensland work across a range of senior management levels to ensure adequate resources for sufficient suitably skilled professional staff to meet patient needs.What does this paper add? Literature to ...
Source: Australian Health Review - Category: Hospital Management Authors: Tags: Aust Health Rev Source Type: research