The Complexity of the Emergency Department as Seen by People With Psychosocial Disability and an NDIS Plan and the Clinicians Caring for Them

Background

People with a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan and a psychosocial disability (PSD) at times may require emergency care for physical or mental health needs. As such, it is important to examine the suitability of the emergency department to provide care for people with PSD and an NDIS plan, and to understand how emergency clinicians engage with the NDIS.

Objective

This study compared ED clinicians experiences of caring for people with a PSD and an NDIS plan in the ED with the experiences of the people they care for.

Method

Two national online surveys were conducted with people with a PSD and an NDIS plan and ED clinicians. All qualitative responses were analysed thematically, and descriptive statistics for quantitative data were prepared.

Results

Clinicians (n = 30) and consumers (n = 44) agree that ED staff need more training in mental health care; the ED environment and model of care are unsuitable and may cause trauma for people seeking care and clinicians. People with PSD and an NDIS plan report that ED clinicians are not aware that the NDIS provides disability support only. ED staff report that they do not have faith in the NDIS.

Conclusion

Training for clinical staff in what the NDIS provides, mental health trained staff being available, and suitable environments would provide better outcomes for people with a PSD and an NDIS plan when presenting to the ED. Creating communication pathways between the ED and the NDIS to assist with service integration would ensure continuity of care.