Emergency departments : an emerging context of Australian allied health practice

Multi- and interdisciplinary allied health teams are an emerging service in Australian Emergency Departments (EDs). Using a literature review, this article describes the Australian ED policy and service context, factors affecting ED use, allied health roles, practices and impact. The article fills a gap in the literature by providing educators, researchers, therapists and managers with an overview of key issues to help inform ED service decision-makers, anticipate patient and departmental needs and identify areas for education, quality projects and research. Issues current in Australia will be relevant to other developed countries where the ED demand, particularly by older people with complex and chronic conditions is outstripping capacity.