Networking to improve allied health support

A BREAKTHROUGH first networking event has been hailed as a turning point in allied health in Ballarat.

Organised by local myotherapists Claire Frost and Arielle Maddern, last month’s event at the Lucas Community Hub was attended by more than 30 professionals from leading health businesses.

They shared a common goal to build a referral framework and learning more about how their colleagues can support clients.

One of the biggest challenges facing allied health today is the lack of collaboration between providers.

Too often, Ms Frost said, clients hit a wall with their care, not because a practitioner isn’t skilled, but because they don’t have the networks or knowledge to know who to refer to next.

This leads to gaps in treatment, wasted time, and clients missing out on the right care.

As an example, one presenter demonstrated how ultrasound can detect issues such as stress fractures that an x-ray cannot.

Many providers may not have realised the depth of insight available through ultrasound, and by building this understanding, they can now refer with confidence and ensure clients receive faster, more accurate diagnoses.

Ms Frost viewed the first network event as a step in the right direction.

“Ballarat isn’t a large place, and we as allied health providers need to connect so that our customers or clients can get the best possible care,” she said.

Takeaways from the event included developing a framework to strengthen cross-referrals between providers, creating practical referral sheets to streamline pathways for clients, showcasing different modalities so providers know when and how to refer on, and education sessions highlighting the value of a multi-modality approach.

By breaking down barriers and creating collaboration, it’s hoped clients don’t waste time or money on incomplete care.

Instead, they can be guided toward the right professional sooner and receive the holistic, multi-modality support they need.

Ms Frost said feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and momentum is already building.

A second event is scheduled for Thursday 5 December in Ballarat, with an open invitation to more providers.

For more information, email [email protected].