Include intellectual disability in the collection of demographic data to ensure visibility of people with intellectual disability in the health service organisation
Review the process for collecting demographic information on intellectual disability to ensure relevant data is systematically captured to inform service planning and evaluation. Collecting this information can assist in the delivery of clinical care, to support local systems improvement and to monitor outcomes.
Under Action 1.15c, include intellectual disability in the collection of demographic information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTQI+ communities.
Encourage clinicians, if they suspect a person has intellectual disability, to ask the person if they have intellectual disability, and to record the response. People with intellectual disability have told the Commission that they are not often asked if they have intellectual disability, but that they would appreciate being asked. In addition, people with intellectual disability have told the Commission that they are not likely to proactively identify their intellectual disability. Even when known, intellectual disability may not be recorded on an individual’s health record or included in data collection systems.29,47,[50]
Incorporate diversity into the organisation’s safety and quality risk assessment processes
Ensure the health service organisation’s risk assessment processes address the safety and quality risks people with intellectual disability face. Capture diversity as part of this process.
Identify safety and quality risks for people with intellectual disability and incorporate these into safety and quality monitoring
Ensure that the health service organisation’s safety and quality mechanisms can quantify and address the safety and quality risks for people with intellectual disability. This can include staff training, recording episodes of restrictive practice, recording reasonable adjustments made and monitoring outcomes.
