Making NDIS work in the acute setting
Rhona Haining1 1Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
Abstract
Background of the project and method of research:
The resource intensive nature of NDIS work and the implications of this for participants, the health service and allied health, are under reported. Anecdotal evidence includes a substantial increase in patient length of stay and a workforce unable to keep abreast of the constant changes required to complete NDIS processes.
SCGH created a mobile NDIS Coordination Team (NCT) comprising a senior social worker and occupational therapist working exclusively with NDIS participants.
Qualitative and quantitative data was collected and formed a baseline for staff resource allocation.
Project results:
During 2020- 2023 this specialised team used contemporary NDIS knowledge and expertise in assistive technology and complex physical, medical, behavioural, and psychosocial care to work intensively with this cohort, resulting in comprehensive individualised planning and NDIS funding to facilitate successful discharges. Concurrently data showed ward workers’ time was released to focus core work functions on therapeutic support for patients and families, while addressing acute care discharge planning, which facilitated patient flow. An initial audit of SCGH inpatients showed a reduced length of stay prior to NCT and after NCT by 33 days.
Discussion of the outcomes and implications:
Tailoring an allied health service to meet the specialised needs of NDIS participants enabled successful human resource re-allocation and discharge planning services.
NDIS work in the acute setting is resource intensive and requires dedicated funding and a specialised knowledge base to achieve acceptable patient through-put.
Biography
I have over 20 years experience working as a senior social worker in the acute care setting, primarily in general medicine both as a clinician and as a team leader. I have a strong interest in working with disability and currently lead our NDIS Coordination team as well as act in the role of Long Stay patient coordinator.