Allied health is the second largest clinical workforce in Australia made up of 80% women
Allied health professionals in Australia play diverse roles. Around half of the NDIS workforce are sole traders often offering 1:1 therapy services. Many more work in local clinics and national therapy companies so large they’re listed on the stock exchange.
The impactful allied health workforce comprises audiologists, chiropractors, dietitians, occupational therapists, osteopaths, pharmacists, physiotherapists, podiatrists, psychologists, speech pathologists, mental health professionals as well as a few other specific healthcare practices.
As integral contributors to Australia's healthcare ecosystem, these professionals are dedicated to enhancing patient well-being through their wide-ranging skills and expertise. Often these healthcare professionals work in multidisciplinary teams and communicate across therapy practices to support participants who have a wide range of needs.
Participants who attend therapy sessions and appointments with their healthcare professionals span across various demographics, from children with autism to elderly individuals recovering from falls.
In this overview, we delve into the key statistics and trends shaping the allied health landscape in Australia, including:
Key stats around therapy based services
Demographics of allied health professionals and participants
Financial insights into the budgets of healthcare NDIS funding in Australia
Innovations driving change across the industry
The Crucial Roles of Allied Health Professionals: From Speech to Feet to OT
The impactful allied health workforce in Australia includes various professions, each playing a vital role in addressing different aspects of patient care.
Most of these professionals would have spent several years getting educated, trained and experienced through tertiary institutions, and placements where they treat and support people on a daily basis. Each profession plays an essential role in addressing different aspects of patient care, contributing to the holistic well-being of individuals across the country.
Allied health professionals roles include:
audiologists, chiropractors, dietitians, occupational therapists, osteopaths, pharmacists, physiotherapists, podiatrists, psychologists and mental health professionals, as well as speech pathologists and more.
Allied health professionals engage in a range of activities during therapy sessions, including assessments, treatment planning, intervention implementation, patient education, and home program prescriptions. These activities are tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient promoting holistic well-being and functional independence.
Demographics & Distribution: A Closer look at the Allied Health Workforce in Australia
There are around 200,000 registered allied health professionals across Australia (AusGov) delivering more than 200 million Medicare Benefit services annually (AHPA).
Allied health is the second largest clinical workforce in Australia, following nursing and midwifery (AusGov) which also comprises over 80% women (Source).
With over 80% of the population being on the eastern seaboard of Australia, and 70% of the NDIS providers are located in capital cities, most Australian allied health professionals are mostly located in capital cities too (HealthGov).
In recent years with regional lifestyle trends increasing, there has been some expanded access to allied health services in regional and remote areas - especially with the use of technology like Theratrak where clinics can support their participants while they’re at home in between sessions.
Heart of Healthcare: Participants in Life-Changing Sessions with the Allied Health Workforce
Participants are everyday Australian people seeking healthcare support from allied health professionals to learn and develop new skills, recover from injury or seek reablement and independence.
With 18% of the population (around four million Australians) live with a disability and 5.7% of Australians live with a profound or severe disability (ABS), allied health professionals play a crucial role in supporting rehabilitation care and overall wellbeing for the Australian community.
With over 600,000 active participants of the NDIS, around 35% are living with autism, 14% with an intellectual disability, and almost 12% with a development delay.
Economics of Care: NDIS & Allied Health Budget Insights within Australia
The government expenditure on healthcare goods and services was estimated at $241.3B in 2021-2022 (AIHW), highlighting the significant investment in maintaining the health of Australians.
The NDIS operates with an annual budget of $35.8B in 2022-2023 (AFR). A 2021 study conducted by the independent think tank Per Capita revealed an impressive return on investment for the NDIS - for every dollar invested in the scheme, there’s an estimated return of $2.25 - a significant impact within the community and flow on impact across Australia.
With hope to help the workforce shortage, in the latest 2023-2024 government budget, the NDIS also has a focus on building the next generation of allied health professionals to help support the millions of everyday Australians accessing care.
Recent Innovations & Trends in the Allied Health Industry
As allied health professionals strive to deliver high-quality care, personalised approaches are essential to review patient needs and preferences, ensuring tailored and effective interventions. It’s helpful for therapists to have pre-prepared programs to support participants whenever they need - but personalisation of therapy care and content can add an extra level of engagement with participants.
In today's digital age, technology integration has become essential for streamlining allied health practices and enhancing patient care. Digital tools (including telehealth solutions and home programming tools like Theratrak), are being integrated into allied health practices, facilitating remote consultations, monitoring, and enhancing accessibility to care.
The allied health sector is also witnessing remarkable advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) to support documentation, healthcare management and diagnosis prediction.
From wearable sensors to interactive therapy tools, other innovations enhance diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and patient engagement, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and better quality of life for patients.
Pioneering Progress: Innovation Extending the Reach of Therapy Sessions
Innovation lies at the heart of the allied health sector in Australia, driving growth and impact in patient care.
As professionals continue to embrace personalised approaches, leverage technology, and capitalise on advancements, the future of allied health shines bright, promising enhanced well-being and quality of life for all Australians.
Beyond therapy sessions, platforms like Theratrak empower participants to engage in therapy activities and communication with therapists, fostering continuous progress and support outside traditional care settings.
Theratrak supports therapists to deliver personalised, technology-enabled care that maximises patient outcomes and enhances the overall therapy experience.
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