Service Framework to Improve the Health Care of People with Intellectual Disability

Summary

The framework is based on a tiered model of care and was developed by NSW Health and the Department of Family and Community Services – Ageing, Disability and Home Care in collaboration with the NSW Council for Intellectual Disability. An extensive consultation with stakeholders has also helped shape the framework.

The framework aims to reduce health inequalities for children, adolescents and adults with intellectual disability. The framework is NSW Health’s response to:

• promote a broader understanding of the health needs of people with intellectual disability and their right to effective services and care and
• improve the quality, range, consistency, accessibility and integration of services necessary to meet the health needs of people with intellectual disability.

In 2010, the NSW Health Analysis of costs a​nd benefits of specialised intellectual disability health services report provided an economic appraisal of the range of options presented in the 2007 draft service framework to improve health care of people with intellectual disabilities. The report analysed the costs and benefits of options related to specialised health services for people with intellectual disability (tier 4) and clinical leadership, research and education and training for health professionals working with people with intellectual disability (tier 5).