2. Collaborate with colleagues

As an AHA, you may work in health or community service facilities, and it's important to understand your role in providing care and support to those you assist. While you work under the supervision of an AHP, you also need to communicate effectively with colleagues, managers, and supervisors to create a positive environment and achieve the best outcomes for the people you support.

You must also be aware of the appropriate lines of communication within your sector. Health and community services often involve multiple providers working together to meet the needs of individuals. For instance, while many of a person’s health and social needs may be met within your organisation, some specific needs may require communication with other services.

Examples of lines of communication between an organisation and other services:

• A client is referred to a community health centre via an intake service.
• A Physiotherapist communicates with a client’s Care Advisor or Support Coordinator to request referral to Occupational Therapy.
• An AHA completes a discharge letter with client information provided by the AHP, and communicates this with the service continuing the client’s care.

For more information on health organisation's lines of communication, see these resources:

• Monash Health | Access to Community-based Services
• The Royal Melbourne Hospital | Community Services

Refresh your memory of the multidisciplinary team in the graphic on a previous page.

It is important to note that making referrals and coordinating with external services is the responsibility of AHPs.