Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031 Outcomes Framework: Second annual report

Preventive and early intervention health services that are timely, comprehensive, appropriate and effective support better overall health and wellbeing. People with disability experience preventable health conditions and comorbidities at higher rates than people without disability, placing them at substantially higher risk of adverse health outcomes. Access to early interventions, regular health assessments and rehabilitation improves long-term outcomes for individuals and can help to reduce future costs of care and support (Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031). 

Avoidable emergency presentations

A visit to a hospital emergency department where the care or service received in emergency could have, instead, been provided by a general practitioner (GP) is an avoidable emergency presentation. Factors such as cost, geographic location, accessibility of facilities and unavailability of other health services can affect which health service is visited (AIHW 2020). 

The desired key system outcome for this measure is that primary health care provides people with disability with high-quality prevention and early intervention services when they need them. 

For the latest data and breakdowns of the data, see Australia’s Disability Strategy Outcomes Framework | Avoidable emergency presentations.

Medical facility accessibility

People with disability have a range of health care needs, and access a variety of health services and facilities, including GPs, dentists, hospitals, and allied health services. People with disability may encounter barriers that limit their access to these facilities, which can negatively affect their access to health care. 

Better outcomes for people with disability are achieved when health providers deliver communication, services and facilities that are accessible and appropriate (Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031). 

The desired population outcome for this measure is to see an increase in long-term wellbeing for people with disability.

Data for this measure is restricted to people with disability aged 5 and over living in households, who leave home and need assistance or have difficulty with communication or mobility because of disability.

For the latest data and breakdowns of the data, see Australia’s Disability Strategy Outcomes Framework | Medical facility accessibility.