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Foley J, Ward EC, Burns CL, Nund RL, Wishart LR, Graham N, Patterson C, Ashley A, Fink J, Tiavaasue E, Comben W. Enhancing speech-language pathology head and neck cancer service provision in rural Australia: Using a plan, do, study, act approach. Int J Speech Lang Pathol 2023; 25:292-305. [PMID: 35532005 DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2022.2050300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE People with head and neck cancer (HNC) require ongoing speech-language pathology (SLP) services into the post-acute recovery phase of care. However, there are recognised service inequities/barriers for people from rural areas who are unable to access SLP services locally, necessitating travel to metropolitan centres. This study implemented strategies to assist rural speech-language pathologists to work to full scope of practice and support post-acute rehabilitation services for people with HNC. METHOD The study involved five SLP departments within a rural health referral network (one tertiary cancer centre, four rural sites). It involved a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) method, across two six month cycles, to achieve implementation of a model to support local SLP delivery of HNC care. Data collected included service activity, consumer feedback from people accessing local care, staff perceptions of the model and changes to local SLP service capabilities. RESULT Staff identified four objectives for change across the two PDSA cycles including resource development, upskilling/training and improving communication, and handover processes. In cycle 1, multiple resources were developed such as an eLearning program for training and skill development. In cycle 2, a pilot trial of a shared-care model was implemented, which successfully supported a transfer of care to local services for eight people with HNC. The majority of consumers accessing HNC care locally were satisfied with the service and would recommend future people with HNC receive similar care. CONCLUSION The PDSA process supported development and implementation of a model enabling local speech-language pathologists to offer post-acute care for people with HNC. This model helps rural people with HNC to access care closer to home by supporting rural clinicians to work to full scope of practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Foley
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Elizabeth C Ward
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre of Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Clare L Burns
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Speech Pathology, The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Nund
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Laurelie R Wishart
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre of Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nicky Graham
- Department of Speech Pathology, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Wondai Hospital, Australia
| | - Corey Patterson
- Department of Speech Pathology, The Townsville University Hospital, The Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Townsville, Australia
| | - Amy Ashley
- Department of Speech Pathology, The Townsville University Hospital, The Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Townsville, Australia
| | - Julie Fink
- Department of Speech Pathology, The Townsville University Hospital, The Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Townsville, Australia
| | - Emily Tiavaasue
- Department of Speech Pathology, The Mount Isa Hospital, North West Hospital and Health service, Mount Isa, Australia
| | - Wendy Comben
- Department of Speech Pathology, The Townsville University Hospital, The Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Townsville, Australia
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Foley J, Nund RL, Ward EC, Burns CL, Wishart LR, Graham N, Patterson C, Ashley A, Fink J, Tiavaasue E, Comben W. Clinician and consumer perceptions of head and neck cancer services in rural areas: Implications for speech pathology service delivery. Aust J Rural Health 2022; 30:175-187. [DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Foley
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Rebecca L. Nund
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Elizabeth C. Ward
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD Australia
- Centre of Functioning and Health Research Metro South Hospital and Health Service Brisbane OLD Australia
| | - Clare L. Burns
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD Australia
- Speech Pathology Department The Royal Brisbane and Women's HospitalQueensland Health Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Laurelie R. Wishart
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD Australia
- Centre of Functioning and Health Research Metro South Hospital and Health Service Brisbane OLD Australia
- Princess Alexandra Hospital Metro South Hospital and Health Service Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Nicky Graham
- Speech Pathology Department Children’s Health Queensland Hospital andHealth Service, Wondai Hospital Wondai QLD Australia
| | - Corey Patterson
- Speech Pathology Department The Townsville University Hospital The Townsville Hospital and Health Service Townsville QLD Australia
| | - Amy Ashley
- Speech Pathology Department The Townsville University Hospital The Townsville Hospital and Health Service Townsville QLD Australia
| | - Julie Fink
- Speech Pathology Department The Townsville University Hospital The Townsville Hospital and Health Service Townsville QLD Australia
| | - Emily Tiavaasue
- Speech Pathology Department The Mount Isa HospitalNorth West Hospital and Health Service Mount Isa QLD Australia
| | - Wendy Comben
- Speech Pathology Department The Townsville University Hospital The Townsville Hospital and Health Service Townsville QLD Australia
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Foley J, Ward EC, Burns CL, Nund RL, Wishart L, Graham N, Patterson C, Ashley A, Fink J, Tiavaasue E, Comben W. Speech pathology service enhancement for people with head and neck cancer living in rural areas: Using a concept mapping approach to inform service change. Head Neck 2021; 43:3504-3521. [PMID: 34477267 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Speech pathology (SP) services provide swallowing and communication intervention to people with head and neck cancer (HNC) across the continuum of care. However, difficulties exist with access and delivery of services in rural areas. The study aim was to identify actionable goals for SP change, utilizing a concept mapping approach. METHODS Eleven SP staff from two regional/remote services completed the concept mapping process. Multivariate analysis and multidimensional scaling were used to develop a final set of prioritized goals for change. RESULTS Between the two participating health services, 30 actionable goals were identified within the "green-zone" on the go-zone graph of importance and changeability. Among the most highly rated areas for change was the need to deliver and receive more support for training, mentoring, and supervision to consolidate skills. CONCLUSIONS This methodology enabled identification of prioritized, actionable changes to improve SP services for people with HNC living in regional/remote areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Foley
- The University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth C Ward
- The University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Speech Pathology Department, The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Clare L Burns
- The University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Speech Pathology Department, The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Nund
- The University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Laurelie Wishart
- The University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Centre of Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicky Graham
- Speech Pathology Department, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Wondai Hospital, Wondai, Queensland, Australia
| | - Corey Patterson
- Speech Pathology Department, The Townsville University Hospital, The Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amy Ashley
- Speech Pathology Department, The Townsville University Hospital, The Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Julie Fink
- Speech Pathology Department, The Townsville University Hospital, The Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emily Tiavaasue
- Speech Pathology Department, The Mount Isa Hospital, North West Hospital and Health Service, Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wendy Comben
- Speech Pathology Department, The Townsville University Hospital, The Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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