Idiopathic Parkinsonism is a well-recognized cause of dysphagia and resultant aspiration. Symptoms and signs attributable to dopaminergic underactivity after administration of antipsychotic medication are commonly seen in elderly patients. We report a case of a 74-year-old woman, without prior symptoms of Parkinsonism or dysphagia, who presented with the temporal association of both after administration of trifluoperazine hydrochloride. Dysphagia is a potentially life-threatening complication of drug-induced parkinsonism. Its early recognition allows treatment by simple medical, physical, and dietary manipulations.

Background: It is well established that effective clinical leadership improves the quality of healthcare service provision and promotes leadership outcomes. [1,2] Leadership capacity and capability of allied health professionals is needed for successful clinical service provision, [3] but less is known about allied health leadership than about other clinical groups. Aims: The literature review aimed to identify research about leadership and leadership development of allied health practitioners in healthcare settings. Methods: A database review was undertaken using SCOPUS, CINAHL, Medline and Business Elite databases from December 2014-September 2015. Three leadership journals were also hand searched. A total of 1665 articles were identified. These were scanned and 129 articles were retrieved with 70 articles shortlisted for indepth review. Results: After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven journal articles were included in the literature review. Review of the studies identified two areas of primary focus: leadership styles and outcomesand leadership development programs. Conclusions: Findings showed that there are currently a limited number of robust published reports in relation to leadership and allied health practitioners. Implications for Practice: Well-designed research studies to further evaluate leadership skills of allied health practitioners as well as to determine the effectiveness of leadership programs in developing transformational leaders are required. Abbreviations: CASP – Clinical Appraisal Skills Program; NHMRC – National Health and Medical Research Council.

Purpose: This article presents finding from a mixed methods study investigating leadership development of allied health practitioners within a large public healthcare organisation in Australia. Design/methodology/approach: The South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Allied Health Leadership Development Program was undertaken with an allied health cohort (n=16) between May 2014 and March 2015 and comprised all-day workshops, action learning sets and individual coaching. Using experiential learning, the program tested whether practice development methods and action learning approaches developed the leadership skills of participants compared with a control group (n=17). Descriptive statistics were collected to evaluate participant and program outcomes. Leadership, workplace culture and engagement measures were analysed as part of the study. Findings: The Allied Health Leadership Development Program received high ratings by participants. They reported enhanced skills in leading self and others through mechanisms such as critical reflection and facilitation, and greater confidence managing change and with engaging staff, colleagues and patients in decision-making affecting the quality and safety of healthcare. Statistically significant differences were found with transformational leadership elements, leadership outcomes, and measures of workplace culture and engagement after program completion for intervention group participants, compared with the control group. Research implications: Results provide new empirical evidence about the effectiveness of using practice development for allied health leadership development. Practical implications: This low-cost leadership program can be replicated by other organisations. Originality/value: Outcomes from an allied health leadership development program have not been previously reported in the literature.

Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate the opinions and perceptions of senior allied health (AH) leaders in relation to AH leadership, governance and organisation from an Australian public health perspective. The target group was the New South Wales (NSW) Health AH directors or advisors, the most senior public AH professionals in NSW. Methods The study was conducted over a 6-month period in 2014-15 and comprised two parts: (1) data collection through a 46-question online survey that sought the views of AH leaders about the field of AH in NSW; and (2) two confirmatory focus groups with members of the NSW Health Allied Health Directors Committee. Results The online questionnaire generated novel information about the field of AH in the public sector of NSW, including the current organisation, governance and culture of AH. Focus group participants explored key findings in greater depth, including the effects of AH on and value of AH to the health system as a whole, as well as the attributes and competencies required by AH leaders. Participants identified the need to build and grow their influence, to more clearly demonstrate AH's contribution and to realign efforts towards more strategic issues influencing governance, performance, professional standards and advocacy. This entailed broadening the vision and scope of AH Directors as well as across discipline leaders. Conclusion The results provide new information about Australian AH leadership, governance, culture and organisation, and highlight potential priorities for future leadership activities. What is known about this topic? Although leadership is considered an essential element in the provision of high-quality health care, leadership across AH remains underexamined. What does this paper add? There is a paucity of literature pertaining to AH leadership nationally and internationally. This paper describes the issues affecting AH leaders and leadership in NSW, as reported by senior AH leaders. What are the implications for practitioners? This study identifies key elements related to AH leadership and governance. Health systems and services can use this information to implement strategies that enhance AH leadership capability.