Transformation of Therapy Support Workforce at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH)
Workforce Transformation
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National Healthcare Group
31 December 2020
To transform and equip therapy support staff (TAs) into Multi-Skilled Therapy Assistants (MSTAs) to meet the evolving needs. The MSTA model is a viable and sustainable workforce transformation approach.
Year Submitted: 2020
Published Date: 31 December 2020
Tags: Workforce Transformation, Job Redesign, Upskilling
About this Content
Aims
To transform and equip therapy support staff (TAs) into Multi-Skilled Therapy Assistants (MSTAs) to meet the evolving needs of long-stay patients sustainably.
Background
Long-term IMH patients were facing deteriorating physical conditions, lack of motivation, and behavioral management challenges. Increasing Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) linearly was unsustainable due to cost and availability constraints.
Methods
MSTAs were trained across occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and psychology disciplines to deliver multi-faceted interventions. A framework was developed to define roles, recruitment, competency, and supervision structures.
Results
MSTAs delivered ~1,000 hours of therapy monthly to 150 patients. AHPs could focus on higher-level tasks. Cost avoidance of $26,618/month achieved by delegating tasks to MSTAs.
Conclusion
The MSTA model is a viable and sustainable workforce transformation approach. MSTAs enhanced patient engagement, broadened their skills, and allowed nurses to focus on core duties.
Lessons Learnt
Effective stakeholder engagement and role definition were critical. Early mindset shifts and clear communication helped overcome professional boundaries. Recruitment pipelines and career development for MSTAs require further consideration.
Additional Information
Plans to deploy MSTAs in acute ward settings and further upskill staff.
Keywords
Workforce Transformation, Change Management, Job Redesign, Multi-Skilled Therapy Assistants, Recruitment Guidelines, Clinical Deployment, Institute of Mental Health
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Institute of Mental Health |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychology |
Project Lead(s) | Desmond Koh |
Project Member(s) | Yow Kah Lai |
Connect with this contributor!
Mr Desmond Koh - Desmond_hk_koh@imh.com.sg
Project Attachment
331_IMH_NHIP_2020_Transformation_of_Therapy_Support_Workforce_at_IMH_combine.pdf