In the face of escalating bed pressures within public health services, healthcare providers are exploring innovative alternatives to inpatient care. Transdisciplinary care, a proven model in various practice areas, has been a part of Emergency Department care, specifically through the work of Care Coordinator teams since 2004. Traditionally teams have comprised of Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Social Workers, Nurses, and, in some instances, Dietitians. They have assisted patient flow through the completion of holistic needs assessment and subsequent prescription of required equipment or identification of alternative supports to facilitate discharge, such as alternative care models. Recent trials in acute stroke settings have supported the inclusion of Speech Pathologists (SP) within acute transdisciplinary teams, showcasing their adaptability to roles within acute setting.

A pilot program was initiated, including podiatrists within the Care Coordinator team at a major metropolitan public health service. Results were overwhelmingly positive, leading to their permanent inclusion. Subsequently, the pilot was expanded in November 2023 to include SPs. Initially planned for eight weeks, the program has the potential to extend to nine months, with a review in mid-2024 to evaluate the possibility of a permanent change.

The evaluation of the pilot program encompasses seven key areas: change management, excellence in timely care, training, feasibility, safety, consumer satisfaction, and staff satisfaction.

At the time of this submission, the pilot program is ongoing, and preliminary data is promising. There have been no associated Victorian Health Incident Management System issues, and participant feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

In conclusion, preliminary data suggests that speech pathologists can successfully undergo competency training to integrate into Care Coordinator transdisciplinary teams. Reflections from the pilot program's SP clinician highlight the importance of peer support, structured competency packages, and previous relevant clinical experience.

Key takeaways from this study include:

Preliminary results suggest speech pathologists can take on the role of care coordinator.
Orientation and competency packages are essential for the development of transdisciplinary skills.
Clinician-specific factors, such as work history and additional professional development, can significantly benefit the integration of non-traditional care coordinator staff into these teams.