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Purpose

To improve health services to people with intellectual disability

To guide and resource health services sector staff and other service providers to better understand and meet complex and multiple health needs of people with intellectual disability and their carers

10 guiding principles of quality health services for people with intellectual disability

1 People with intellectual disability have the same access to quality and range of health services as other people

2 Health services recognise the poorer health outcomes for people with intellectual disability

3 Health services provide early diagnosis and intervention to enable optimal outcomes

4 Health services support the cultural and social inclusion of people with intellectual disability and their carer

5 Health services are delivered in a person- and family-centred way

6 Health services for people with intellectual disability are co-designed and integrated across primary, mainstream and specialised care

7 Health services are delivered by appropriately trained staff

8 Specialised health services and the integration of their expertise within mainstream services can improve health outcomes for people with intellectual disability

9 Collaboration between government and non-government agencies (e.g. schools, supported accommodation services) supports the health outcomes of a person with intellectual disability

10 Data is required to inform ongoing health service development, policy and models of care

Areas for action and self-assessment

Enabling domains

Workforce
Communication
Data
Systems

Health service delivery domains

Mental Health
Hospitalisation
Specialised health services
Integration with external services
Integration within health services

Consumer reported experiences

Workforce
  • I am able to access specialised support when I need it
  • I have longer appointments and other supports as I need them
  • I have healthcare practitioners who identify, plan and collaborate with my other services
Communication
  • I am welcomed
  • I am treated with respect
  • I (and my carer) understand what we are being told
  • I don’t have to repeat my story
Data
  • I have a plan to manage my health conditions which all providers involved in my care can access with my consent
  • My ‘de-identified’ health data helps improve healthcare for me and others with intellectual disability
Systems
  • My carer is included as a partner in my healthcare if I choose
  • I have the support I need to make decisions about my healthcare