Partnership to create discharge pathway for consumers awaiting appropriate NDIS supports lead by Allied Health
Trudy Gilligan1, Charlene Cooper21CALHN Mental Health Clinical Program, Adelaide, SA, Australia2CALHN Mental Health Clinical Program, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Abstract
Across our psychiatric inpatient units, we identified large numbers of beds “blocked” by consumers who were discharge ready but unable to safely exit due to delays in accessing adequate NDIS supports and appropriate accommodation. There was market failure in providers who could support psychosocial disabilities. This contributed to increased lengths of stay, increased time in EDs and poor consumer outcomes.
A partnership was established between DHS, Mental Health and a NDIS provider to develop a transitional accommodation and support service. The project quickly gained Ministerial support and an appropriate vacant facility was identified.
The accommodation was modified, model of care, risk management framework and referral pathways established, and an Allied Health Project Officer appointed to lead referral finding and timely discharges. The first consumer was discharged to the facility 6 weeks later.
32 consumers have been discharged from hospital to the facility, saving a combined total of 2623 days in hospital. 10 consumers have since transitioned to long term NDIS housing.
The project has contributed to an overall reduction in hospital length of stay for consumers on the NDIS pathway with less remaining in hospital who are discharge ready. This has improved access to acute hospital care for consumers waiting in emergency departments, therefore contributing to reducing ramping.
Additionally, consumers who have had unstable accommodation and support, and frequent visits to hospital have been able to discharge, reside in a more home-like environment, engage in community activity, whilst long term NDIS supports, and accommodation are being sourced.
Biography
biographies to come