Co-design and deployment of a disability identification questionnaire to empower consumers
Louise Mogg1, Joanne Rowe2,3,4, Jenni Medland1, Michelle Shao3,4, Kath Feely1,2,3,4 1Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville , Victoria, Australia2The Women’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia3Royal Childrens Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia4Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Abstract
Background
There is no established method of asking about disability status within health service patient registration – despite the current spotlight on the importance of disability data in Australian policy. The Parkville precinct hospitals in Melbourne embarked on a project to develop a standardised method of data collection for disability identification. Our aim was to improve patient centred care for consumers with disabilities.
Method
A co-design process was undertaken from February to December 2022 to develop a recommended methodology for disability identification. This encompassed a rapid review of available tools, convening of a Technical Advisory Group, development of a question set, stakeholder consultation with data users and consumers with lived experience of disability and EMR workflow design.
Results
A 3-question disability identification questionnaire has been designed to capture our consumer’s voice guided by two instruments: International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Consumers or carers can self-complete via the Patient Portal, or with a clinician directly into the EMR. This is going live on 29/3/23.
Discussion
We aim to empower consumers to tell us about their disability and how we can assist them when accessing our health services. The improved visibility of patients who have identified as having a disability will ensure a welcoming environment with clear, accessible and timely information available for all clinical staff. The next phase will include evaluating the usability and utility of the tool, guided by consumer and clinician feedback.
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. Enjoys seeing people surprise themselves.
Joanne Rowe (BOccTh, MPH) is a public health practitioner and applied researcher with over 15 years’ experience in policy and health–systems strengthening related to disability inclusion, violence against women and SRH in Australia, Asia and the Pacific.
Jenni Medland (Physiotherapist), as a Disability Liaison Officer has a drive for improving access to healthcare and maximising people’s capacity. Jenni co-runs a charity in Kenya focusing on burns prevention and upskilling locals