Allied health engagement model

This model provides a structured roadmap for more integrated and effective ways for PHNs to work with the allied health sector and is based on the National PHN Allied Health in Primary Care Engagement Framework that launched in 2022.

The allied health engagement model will guide Murray PHN in:

  • supporting and engaging allied health professionals
  • improving access to allied health services
  • embedding allied health as a core component of a multidisciplinary primary healthcare system
  • improving digital health accessibility for allied health professionals
  • equipping allied health clinicians with tools and support to enhance quality of service.

Allied Health Engagement Model diagram

1. Nationally-led Collaboration

  • Align national strategies and policies to support allied health integration in primary care.
  • Share best practices and resources across regions.
  • Advocate collectively for the role of allied health in primary care reform.

2. Governance and Culture

  • Involving allied health professionals in leadership, planning, and decision-making within PHNs and primary care settings.
  • Promoting a culture of respect, inclusion, and collaboration between all health disciplines.
  • Embedding cultural safety and responsiveness

3. Practice Engagement

  • Facilitating regular communication and networking opportunities between allied health, general practice, and other primary care providers.
  • Providing access to professional development, education, and training tailored to allied health needs.
  • Encouraging multidisciplinary team-based care and collaborative practice models.

4. Data Quality and Digital Maturity

  • Supporting allied health professionals to adopt and use digital health tools (e.g., secure messaging, electronic health records, telehealth).
  • Improving the quality, consistency, and sharing of health data to support care coordination and population health planning.
  • Building digital literacy and confidence among allied health providers.

5. Workforce and Access to Allied Health Care

  • Identifying and addressing gaps in the allied health workforce, especially in rural and remote areas.
  • Supporting recruitment, retention, and upskilling of allied health professionals.
  • Facilitating access to allied health services for priority populations, including those with chronic and complex health needs.

6. Integration, Models of Care, and Funding

  • Developing and implementing models that bring together allied health, general practice, and other providers to deliver coordinated, patient-centred care.
  • Strengthening partnerships between primary, secondary, and community care sectors.
  • Advocating for funding models that support multidisciplinary care and recognise the value of allied health in primary care sector.

Last Update: May 22nd, 2025

Murray PHN acknowledges its catchment crosses over many unceded First Nations Countries, following the Dhelkunya Yaluk (Healing River).

We pay our respects and give thanks to the Ancestors, Elders and Young people for their nurturing, protection and caregiving of these sacred lands and waterways, acknowledging their continuing cultural, spiritual and educational practices.

We are grateful for the sharing of Country and the renewal that Country gives us. We acknowledge and express our sorrow that this sharing has come at a personal, spiritual and cultural cost to the wellbeing of First Nations peoples. We commit to addressing the injustices of colonisation across our catchment, and to listening to the wisdom of First Nations communities who hold the knowledge to enable healing. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.