In 2023, Birrang Enterprise Development partnered with Marathon Health to provide occupational therapy (OT) and speech pathology (SP) services in a remote rural community in New South Wales. The outreach service utilized the Wobbly Hub Rural and Remote Person-Centred Approach, which focuses on understanding community needs and providing flexible, tailored care.
The Approach: The service began by engaging with local leaders and service providers to co-design the program, clarifying needs and resources. The service was rolled out in two phases. In Phase 1, outreach clinicians built rapport with clients by listening and understanding their personal goals. A one-page assessment summary documented these goals, which helped guide follow-up in Phase 2. Clinicians provided support through assessments, NDIS eligibility assistance, and referrals to local services, ensuring continuity of care and trust within the community.
Outcomes and Reflections: The outreach model proved effective, with strong local engagement. Clinicians provided OT and SP services to over 50 individuals, many of whom received assistance with NDIS access. Feedback from both the community and clinicians was overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the person-centred approach and the follow-up processes. The service's success was attributed to its flexibility, strong partnerships, and commitment to local needs.
This case study highlights the importance of tailoring outreach health services to the unique needs of rural communities, building trust, and ensuring continuity of care.