Australia

Far East and Australia

Australia

Therapy and equipment needs study (TEN)

Keywords: Partnership, Health services, Australia

In early 2005 the AIHW and CP Australia commenced the therapy and equipment needs study (TEN) – the first project of its nature in Australia. TEN intends to contribute meaningful and objective information on the need for therapy and equipment among people with cerebral palsy and related conditions. The project is being supported by funding from Telstra, CP Australia member organisations and contributions from CP Australia and AIHW.

TEN is a collaborative effort between experienced state and territory representatives of CP Australia and a multidisciplinary AIHW project team from the Functioning and Disability Unit. These teams will be operating under the leadership of CP Australia project leaders, Paula Dyke and Anita Ghose (Cerebral Palsy Association of Western Australia) and Ros Madden (Head of the Functioning and Disability Unit of the AIHW) respectively. Input from clients, families,therapists and other experts throughout the project and formally, via an Advisory Committee, will play a crucial role in guiding the direction and content of TEN.

Primary objectives of the project are to:

• Review and summarise the key findings of national and international literature about the definitions, costs and benefits of therapy, and whether therapy “makes a difference” for people with disabilities related to,or similar to those related to, cerebral palsy – that is, its relationship to improvements in and maintenance of levels of functioning.

• Identify the nature and quantify the extent of met, partially met and unmet need for therapies and equipment among people, of different ages, with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities.

• Estimate the effects of the provision of therapy and equipment in terms of improved or maintained individual functioning and participation, at different ages, and in terms of reduced social costs of disability.

The project methodology involves several components to be interwoven in the analysis in the final report:

• literature review;

• analysis of CP Australia client records;

• focus groups involving therapists, clients and families;

• developing and costing ‘archetypal cases’ and total needs; and

• national data analysis.

A final report is scheduled for release in mid-2006.

More information at: www.aihw.gov.au