Dysphagia screening using an allied health assistant delegation model: service considerations for implementation
Maria Schwarz, Elizabeth C. Ward, Petrea Cornwell, Anne Coccetti
Abstract
PURPOSE: Three facilities, involved in introducing a model of Allied Health Assistant (AHA) delegated dysphagia screening, examined barriers and facilitators to service implementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: = 4) directly involved in implementation at each site completed semi-structured interviews exploring the implementation experience. Analysis was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). RESULTS: domain, specifically the "structural characteristics," the "compatibility" of the model and the "relative priority" of the model's implementation within other organizational priorities were also barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Although the service model was perceived to have relative advantage, compatibility with local work-flow priorities and service needs must be thoroughly considered if AHA delegated dysphagia screening is to be beneficial as a service model to address increasing dysphagia referral demands.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONDysphagia is a disabling condition which may result in medical, social and operational complications.The demands of screening, assessing, managing and providing rehabilitation for dysphagia are increasing, therefore alternative models of service delivery including delegation are increasingly being considered and implemented.This study provides evidence regarding the context and facilitators of successful AHA dysphagia screening model implementation.This evidence contributes to a growing knowledge base of delegation practices for the management of staffing resources and building of capacity for rehabilitation service delivery.