Building capacity to support people with intellectual disability: Opportunity now open for general practices
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has funded Mater Research to partner with general practices in the Brisbane South PHN area as part of a capacity building project focused on quality healthcare for people with intellectual disability.
The project will provide practice nurses with the support and training to be able to confidently complete annual health assessments for people with intellectual disability.
Background information
People with intellectual disability are more at-risk of death from preventable disease or illness. While health assessments are designed to identify preventable disease before the situation become more serious, research data indicates that time constraints in general practice can mean health assessments are often underutilised.
By having practice nurses support the completion of health assessments, GPs and practice nurses can improve the efficiency of their general practice, reduce time constraints and better support patients with intellectual disability.
Key facts:
- People with intellectual disability often face significant barriers in accessing primary healthcare, creating a gap in health outcomes.
- In Australia, people with intellectual disabilities experience a mortality rate up to 26 years earlier than the general population. This statistic is often attributed to preventable causes and barriers in accessing equitable care.
- Annual health assessments can be valuable in addressing these barriers and discovering illness early.
About the project
General practices with practice nurses are eligible to participate in the project.
The project will support your practice with access to:
- a specialist intellectual disability nurse
- online resources and education specific to people with intellectual disability.
Practice nurses will receive guidance in conducting health assessments tailored to the needs of patients with intellectual disability.
Why participate in the project?
The research data gathered from this project represents a crucial step forward in addressing the unmet healthcare needs of people with intellectual disabilities. General practices are encouraged to join this effort in creating a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for all.
Your participation in the project will:
- provide more specialised and individualised support for your patients with intellectual disability
- improve health outcomes for patients with intellectual disability.
How to join
For more information or to participate, please contact the Bridge to Better Health research at Queensland Centre of Excellence in Autism and Intellectual Disability Health on 07 3163 2412 or email b2bhealth@uq.edu.au.