An exploration of client experiences with their NDIS allied health service delivery in metropolitan compared to regional areas of Australia.
Gabrielle Maere1, Catherine How1, Shivani Singh1, Simona Yash1, Angela Mucic1 1Neuro Rehab Allied Health Network, Deer Park, Vic, Australia
Abstract
Background:
NDIS allied health services are widely used in metropolitan, regional and rural Australia. NeuroRehab Allied Health Network provides allied health services within metropolitan and regional areas across three states of Australia. There is limited existing literature exploring the experiences, barriers, challenges and enablers of accessing allied health services funded by the NDIS.
To maintain and improve quality of service, this research aimed to explore and compare client experiences of their NDIS allied health services across metropolitan and regional areas in order to guide future practice.
Method:
A client survey consisting of qualitative and quantitative data was developed. Clients across our various locations were invited to participate in the survey. Our survey had three sections; demographics, therapy related questions and therapy experience/ satisfaction.
Client location will be reported using the Modified Monash Model, as this is the tool that NDIS uses for reporting.
Data will be collected and analysed using a range of data analysis tools.
Result:
Regional clients have informally reported difficulties with finding appropriately skilled therapists, being able to access a suitable clinic space and long waitlists to access therapy. Formal results are not yet finalised however an update will be provided prior to the conference. We expect to close the survey in May 2023.
Discussion:
This section will be updated following the completion of data analysis. This study will expand the current limited literature on NDIS client experiences with their allied health therapy, particularly comparing client experiences in regional and metropolitan settings. It will highlight challenges and barriers from client’s point of view on utilising allied health therapies within their local area. This increased knowledge will guide service provision and inform quality improvement strategies required to increase client satisfaction levels and therapy outcomes.
Biography
Allied Health Professionals working for Neuro Rehab Allied Health Network (NRAHN), an Allied Health private practice operating in Victoria, NSW and Tasmania working with clients with a range of neurological conditions.