EDC-NDIS Intervention: Supporting frequently presenting NDIS participants in ED to Community Program
Natasha Kosic, Katherine Kelly1NSW Health-SWSLHD, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
Abstract
In South Western Sydney, the ED to Community (EDC) program provides integrated care coordination for patients at increased risk of hospitalisation or who already present frequently to hospital. Care Coordination is delivered by a team of nurses. The program, however, excluded NDIS participants. In April 2022, it was identified that a quarter of EDC identified patients were NDIS participants, who were not receiving interrelated care coordination. The ‘EDC-NDIS intervention’ was piloted to develop and understanding of the needs of people with disabilities and upskill clinician’s skills in navigating the NDIS. The pilot provided multidisciplinary and holistic integrated care intervention to NDIS participants.
9 NDIS participants were allocated to the pilot group and 11 patients to the control group. The intervention was delivered by the Disability Navigator (an Occupational Therapist) to the Care Coordinators. Targeted upskilling, education, regular coaching and resource development were conducted throughout the 12-week pilot period. This pilot used a mixed-method research approach.
Clinicians experienced an increase in confidence and competence working with NDIS participants. Consumer feedback also reflected positive engagement and results with the program. Pilot patients decreased the number of hospital admissions in a shorter timeframe. The average length of stay for the pilot group had been reduced, whereas the control group demonstrated an increase. The pilot group showed a 92% decrease in total ED presentations that commenced during enrolment. In contrast, the control group experienced a more minor reduction 3 months later.
Informed, skilled, confident clinicians deliver quality, bespoke care coordination (via EDC-NDIS intervention) to NDIS participants. The EDC-NDIS intervention significantly decreased acute facility presentations (for high acute service NDIS Consumers) and this trend started 3 months earlier than for control patients. Access to ongoing Disability Navigation specialist support allows for ongoing upskilling, resource development and coaching, thus securing this model’s long-term sustainability and success.
Biography
Natasha Kosic is an Occupational therapist with over 5 years of experience working within the acute healthcare and rehabilitation setting. She is currently the Disability Navigation and Liaison Officer for South Western Sydney Local Health district. Natasha currently delivers disability navigation supports to clinical staff, aiming to enrich, educate and empower the services that support PWD‘s in South Western Sydney. Natasha is actively contributes to local and statewide agencies advocating for the improvement and streamlining of supports for PWD’s.