• Charles Sturt University academics evaluate program addressing challenges in accessing mainstream healthcare for people with disability
• Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) and Blue Sky Community Services collaborated to deliver the education program for healthcare staff
• The independent evaluation by Charles Sturt was presented to stakeholders on Tuesday 18 June

Charles Sturt University academics have evaluated a key education program which aims to improve access to mainstream healthcare for people with disability.

Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) and Blue Sky Community Services collaborated to develop and deliver the program to healthcare workers, addressing concerns that people with disability face significant challenges in accessing mainstream healthcare services, leading to unmet needs and poorer health outcomes compared to those without disability.

The program was independently evaluated by Associate Head of School and Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy Dr Tracey Parnell and Lecturer in Health and Rehabilitation Ms Tana Cuming in the Charles Sturt School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences.

The program and its evaluation suggest that addressing these disparities requires more than physical adjustments, calling for comprehensive knowledge, understanding and confidence among healthcare staff to work collaboratively and respectfully with people with disability and their families.

Dr Parnell said the development, delivery and evaluation of the program incorporated the voices of health service staff and people with lived experience of disability.

“This collaborative approach enhances accessibility and inclusivity for people with disability and their families who use mainstream health services,” Dr Parnell said.

“It is essential to foster an inclusive society that ensures people with disability can achieve their full potential and participate fully in the community as outlined in the outcomes and recommendations of Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031 and the NSW Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2021-2025.”

Dr Parnell and Ms Cuming have been evaluating the impact of the program throughout its delivery, presenting their findings at a presentation with key stakeholders on Tuesday 18 June at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

Positive outcomes of the program have already been observed for staff and consumers, according to Dr Parnell.

“Staff who participated in the program demonstrated increased knowledge, understanding and confidence to work with people with disability and their families in a person-centred manner,” she said.

“It has also raised awareness of the NDIS, community-based services and other support services available following discharge.

“Even more importantly, people with lived experience of disability who were involved in the development, delivery and evaluation of program activities and resources also reported feeling a sense of empowerment.”

Executive Manager of Service Delivery and Quality at Blue Sky Community Services Mr Terry Robb echoed the program’s benefits.

“The project has achieved important outcomes through increasing the knowledge and skills of health staff to be able to provide more inclusive healthcare that better meets the needs of people with disability,” he said.

“Having Charles Sturt University as the evaluation partner for the project has allowed us to understand and demonstrate the outcomes of the project and capture key learnings to support the continued enhancement of healthcare for patients with disability.”

MNCLHD District Director Integrated Care, Allied Health and Community Services Ms Jill Wong said the program had enhanced staff knowledge, understanding and confidence to work with people with disability and their families through a series of learning and education packages.

“These packages, resources and the continued partnership with Blue Sky Community Services and Charles Sturt University will enable MNCLHD’s commitment to disability inclusion and person-centred holistic care,” she said.

“We are proud to have been involved in this program which demonstrates our commitment to taking an inclusive approach with other partners to improve and enhance service provision for this vulnerable population group.”

The final report will be delivered at the end of June.

ENDS

PHOTO: (L-R) Ms Sarah Mongan and Ms Charity Honeysett of Blue Sky Community Services with Charles Sturt University’s Ms Tana Cuming and Dr Tracey Parnell.