title: Mapping of allied health service capacity for maternity and neonatal services in the southern Queensland health service district.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Allied health professionals (AHPs) in maternity and neonatology services are essential for quality care and outcomes, reflected in the minimum service delivery requirements in the Queensland Health clinical services capability framework (CSCF). However, allied health (AH) capacity across the Southern Queensland Health Service Districts (SQHSD) is not known. The aim of this project was to redress this knowledge gap to inform ongoing service planning and delivery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Maternity and neonatal AH clinicians in all birthing facilities in SQHSD were surveyed between October and December 2011 to investigate AHP staffing, practices and models of care. The professions surveyed included dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers and speech pathologists. Results were grouped per question, with stratification by CSCF and/or profession.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-five valid surveys from the 16 facilities were received. All professions were represented. Gaps in maternity AH services were identified. Awareness and use of evidence-based practices were more likely to be reported where higher full-time equivalents (FTE) were allocated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Very low staffing levels have been recorded in all Maternity and Neonatology Services AHPs in the SQHSD. Gaps exist between actual and recommended CSCF staffing standards across all levels and professions. The results indicate that profession-specific support networks for AHPs have positive effects in the spreading of information, and continued promotion, support and involvement in these profession-specific networks is suggested for all facilities.
authors.affiliation: Mater Mothers' Hospital, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Qld 4101, Australia.
authors.forename: Shelley A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Wilkinson
authors.forename: Leyanne
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Duncan
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Barrett
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Turnbull
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McCray
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008427:Maternal Health Services; D018743:Perinatal Care; D011216:Practice Management, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011793:Queensland; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce