Playing by the rules: speech pathologists' views about patient suitability for the Enhanced Primary Care Program.

Background: Allied health practitioner views about patient suitability may impact on which patients seek to be referred to the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Program through their general practitioner. These views have not been previously evaluated.

Method: Participants were speech pathologists who were both working in private practice in Australia and members of Speech Pathology Australia (SPA). Participants completed an online survey, which was sent via an email link to all eligible members. The email database captured more than 95% of all private practitioner members of SPA.

Results: Speech pathologists discuss the EPC Program with patients if they feel it is relevant to them. In determining eligibility, the majority of speech pathologists cited the Department of Heath and Ageing criteria for eligibility as their guide; however, interpretations of these criteria varied. Additionally, speech pathologists frequently considered other factors, such as severity or financial need, as impacting on suitability. Speech pathologists expressed concern about the perceived inconsistency of referrals by GPs under the EPC Program.

Discussion: There is an urgent need for clarification, education and interprofessional discussion about eligibility and access to the EPC Program.