Work

General Practice Utilisation for Adults With Neurological Disability Who Are National Disability Insurance Scheme Participants in Australia

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Most adults with neurological disability rely on general practitioners for managing and preventing health complications. This study analysed patterns of general practice service utilisation among National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants with neurological disability and compared these with people who are not NDIS participants, referred to as the rest of the population (ROP). Modelled annualised rates of recorded clinic and GP activity were approximately twice as high among participants with neurological disability as among the ROP (IRR range 1.87–2.28). Differences in the number of distinct GPs seen and clinics visited were smaller and condition‐specific; for example, the annualised number of distinct clinics visited was lower for participants with cerebral palsy (IRR = 0.86, 95% CI [0.81, 0.91]) and higher for participants with acquired brain injury (IRR = 1.06, 95% CI [1.01, 1.12]). Together, these findings indicate substantially higher recorded general practice activity among participants with neurological disability, while differences in the number of GPs and clinics involved in care were more modest. Investigating the factors that influence general practice service utilisation, as well as the quality and continuity of care experienced by adults with neurological disability, remains a critical area for future research.

Source: Australian Journal of Social Issues

DOI: 10.1002/ajs4.70138