Building the private practice workforce in the Northern Territory: Barriers and facilitators for implementation of the allied health assistant role.

Abstract

To identify barriers and facilitators contributing to the successful implementation of the allied health assistant role in private disability practice to better meet population needs. A qualitative case study. This study was completed with staff working in private disability practices in a regional context in the Northern Territory. Eight participants were interviewed, including three allied health assistants, three allied health professionals, and two managers with allied health backgrounds. More barriers were reported than facilitators, with four key themes identified. Financial risk was a barrier when employing allied health assistants. This risk was mediated by providing part-time employment or having allied health assistants in dual roles. Reduced confidence from allied health professionals and assistants to complete delegation work was the second barrier. A facilitator was increasing allied health assistants' task variation, which participants reported increased retention. Finally, a positive working relationship between allied health professionals and assistants facilitates delegation. This research offers private disability providers insight into the realities of employing an allied health assistant. It also suggests that formal training programs for both allied health assistants and professionals require increased focus on delegation in the private disability sector. On a government level, a review of the NDIS price guide for allied health assistant rates is needed if private providers are to better meet the requirements for NDIS participants in regional areas.