The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network

Finalist: Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services​ Award

The emergency department (ED) can be a difficult place. Patients can get distressed, which can affect their overall healthcare and mental wellbeing.

‘Motivated for Change’ aims to improve ED healthcare and mental wellbeing of children with ID and their carers. This program at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead ED is a novel continuing professional education. Co-designed with caregivers, the project uses motivational interviewing to improve how ED staff care for children with ID.

This project implemented:

• digital alert and documentation systems
• resources and community aids
• novel simulation education.

This resulted in significant improvements in staff skills, communication, identification and management of behavioural distress in individuals with ID. Families reported better communication, engagement, and more inclusive care. Observations showed increases in reasonable adjustments and more timely interventions. It also enhanced the ED clinician’s ability to care for children with ID, supporting mental well-being throughout their patient journey.​​