This interventional project aims to advance both the telehealth knowledge and practical skills of allied health professionals, while simultaneously building the telehealth capacity and capability of allied health services. The initiative is delivered through a structured virtual mentoring and training program.
The project builds upon foundational research that explored consumer, clinician, and service-level factors influencing telehealth adoption within allied health across Metro South Health (MSH). It continues our collaborative efforts with the MSH Centre for Functioning and Health Research (CFAHR), allied health clinician-researchers, and consumer representatives. Additionally, it strengthens partnerships with local MSH telehealth support teams, researchers, and allied health professionals.
The intervention employed a multifaceted approach, including service audits, goal setting, mentoring, and a series of virtual webinars delivered using the Project ECHO® model. The curriculum was co-designed with participants and consumer representatives to ensure relevance and responsiveness to service needs. A total of 18 participants from 11 allied health services across MSH successfully completed the program.
Findings from this initiative will inform future telehealth training, service development strategies, and policy directives within allied health, both locally and globally. The overarching goal is to support the sustainable integration of telehealth into routine outpatient care across allied health services.
