Ms Louise Mogg1, Ms Jennifer Medland1, Ms Elena Ladlow1
1Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
Biography:
Louise Mogg Occupational Therapist/Disability Liaison Officer, Chef de Mission Australian Global Games Team, Manager Australian Paralympic Team, University Tutor, volunteer Vinnies Soup Van. Louise has a passion for working with the disability population. Enjoys seeing all people surprise themselves.
Abstract:
Background:
Healthcare access barriers are often encountered by people with a disability and do contribute to health inequalities.
The Disability Identifier (DI) was implemented into routine care across a multi-site health care precinct to enable consumer to self-report their disability and care needs.
Aim:
To understand how well the DI had been accepted into routine care, describe the requested supports generated from this self-assessment, and the impact the DI information has had on the delivery of care.
Method:
Retrospective evaluation was conducted at Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) using data collected via the EMR, specifically completion rates, and response to the DI self-assessment. Data were descriptively analysed.
Results:
Since implemented, 18,988 DI have been completed. 9,966 consumers self-identifying as having a disability with 43% (n=4,250) consumers requesting for additional adjustments to their care. There were multiple adjustments requested. These included: optimising the environment (24%), adapting communication (23%) and/or applying behaviour management strategies (22%). On any given day, RMH has on average 52 inpatients requesting additional adjustments.
Conclusion:
Evidence reflects a win for those receiving care and a win for those providing care when the DI is utilised. There are high levels of engagement with the DI since implementation however utilisation of the information and broader uptake could be improved. Ongoing understanding of the factors that can help or hinder the use of the DI to articulate care needs should be a priority for future research to ensure optimal and equitable care is provided for people with a disability in our hospitals.