Impacts of a dispersed unit structure on allied health professionals' experiences in an Australian public hospital setting

Abstract

Background The limited published evidence relating to the experiences and outcomes of a unit dispersement model is generally more negative than positive from an allied health perspective. Purpose The perceptions of allied health managers and leaders after the transition to a unit dispersement structure were explored in this study. The objectives were to review the impacts of this type of structure and the factors for health care organizations to consider before incorporating allied health professions into a clinical matrix structure. Methodology A qualitative study was conducted in a large regional multisite public hospital and health service located in Australia. Semistructured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 30 allied health frontline managers and leaders. Results Four negative impacts on the work experience of allied health professionals in a dispersement structure were identified through data analysis as: a negative impact on service delivery to patients, a detrimental effect on professional identity, reduced ability of allied health managers and leaders to do their role effectively, and a negative impact on morale, culture, and emotional well-being. Several key factors for public hospitals to consider before embarking on an organizational structure that includes allied health professionals were identified. Conclusion The impacts of the unit dispersement structure on allied health professionals working within the organization under study were generally negative and did not deliver on the desired objectives. The findings reinforce the unique requirements pertaining to allied health professionals for optimal functioning. Practice Implications The learnings have implications for administrators in health care organizations embarking on organizational change that incorporates allied health professions in certain settings. The findings recommend that health care organizations consider several important factors before they introduce any structural change that would affect the delivery of allied health services.