Abstract
This article describes the process of mapping referral pathways to develop a localised resource to enhance the journey to diagnosis, treatment and support for foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in a regional community setting. Over a 6-month period, a research officer engaged service providers in Port and South Hedland, Western Australia, using participatory action research methods. An iterative process included a service environment scan, interviews with service leaders and refinement of progressive drafts of the pathway through the Hedland FASD Network. A community reference group advised on cultural issues. Referral pathways for interagency sectors (health, education, justice) were developed. Three pathway schematics and a companion four-page referral protocol were endorsed. The pathways were disseminated to all service providers and consensus was reached to trial the pathways within existing service systems. The process of referral pathway development provided a service mapping and gapping exercise to facilitate service integration. Evaluation of the resource will be conducted using the RE-AIM framework. The referral pathways template has been adapted and trialled by health and other professionals in several sites across Australia. The model developed for FASD can be applied to other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Highlights
This article describes the process of mapping referral pathways to develop a localised resource to enhance the journey to diagnosis, treatment and support for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in a regional community setting
This project was initiated under the auspice of the ‘Warajanga Marnti Warrarnja’ Hedland project to build the knowledge and capacity of workforce and service providers to address FASD in the town of Port Hedland and the remote Western Australia (WA) communities of Warralong and Yandeyarra
Based on the iterative process of service mapping and consultation, stakeholders identified discrete time points at which screening for risk of FASD may be undertaken
Summary
This article describes the process of mapping referral pathways to develop a localised resource to enhance the journey to diagnosis, treatment and support for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in a regional community setting. Methods: Over a 6-month period, a research officer engaged service providers in Port and South Hedland, Western Australia, using participatory action research methods. An iterative process included a service environment scan, interviews with service leaders and refinement of progressive drafts of the pathway through the Hedland FASD Network. A community reference group advised on cultural issues. Results: Referral pathways for interagency sectors (health, education, justice) were developed.
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