Goal Attainment and Outcomes of Physiotherapy Participants Funded by an Individualised Government Package’

Abstract

Purpose: To determine goal attainment and change in physical outcomes of individuals participating in a community Physiotherapy program funded by a new government funding package, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Additionally, to describe the alignment of NDIS goals with Physiotherapy goals and the impact of the NDIS on access to Physiotherapy.Methods: A consecutive case series was conducted involving 12 participants attending NDIS-funded Physiotherapy at a private clinic in Sydney, Australia. Outcome measures were recorded upon entry to the study and again after 6 months or at discharge, whichever occurred first. The primary outcome was goal attainment measured by the Goal Attainment Scale. Secondary outcomes included the 5-metre walk test, Motor Assessment Scale, World Health Organisation Quality of Life questionnaire and Exercise Self Efficacy Scale.Results: Forty-one percent of goals were fully attained and for 53% performance was equal to baseline, however, this was not reflected in concurrently measured outcomes where small changes occurred. Physiotherapy goals focused on mobility whilst NDIS goals varied. Changes in outcome measures differed between individuals. NDIS funding provided all participants access to more frequent or otherwise inaccessible Physiotherapy.Conclusion: Physiotherapy participants funded by an individualised government package had improved access to Physiotherapy where participants attained individualised goals.