Background
Allied health practitioner views about patient suitability may impact
on which patients seek to be referred to the Enhanced Primary Care
(EPC) Program through their general practitioner. These views have
not been previously evaluated.
Discussion
There is an urgent need for clarification, education and
interprofessional discussion about eligibility and access to the EPC
Program.
Results
Speech pathologists discuss the EPC Program with patients if they
feel it is relevant to them. In determining eligibility, the majority of
speech pathologists cited the Department of Heath and Ageing
criteria for eligibility as their guide; however, interpretations of
these criteria varied. Additionally, speech pathologists frequently
considered other factors, such as severity or financial need, as
impacting on suitability. Speech pathologists expressed concern
about the perceived inconsistency of referrals by GPs under the EPC
Program.
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