Care navigator positions exist in other health jurisdictions, however across Australia they have invariably been filled by registered nurses.  In 2023, Canberra Health Service was unique in utilising AHPs in these roles. Multidisciplinary care navigators – Nursing and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) – work with families, local and interstate health providers, and community supports and services, to improve healthcare access, experiences, and outcomes for children with chronic and complex health care needs. This presentation will outline the development of care navigation roles for AHPs, as well as the organisational challenges and positive benefits for staff, services, organisations, and consumers.  

Key takeaways: 

• The importance of holistic care coordination for children with chronic and complex medical needs
• The challenges and benefits of developing allied health navigation positions in a health service 
• The impact of health care consumer co-design on care navigation services