P004 Non-Invasive Ventilation - Partnering with Paediatric NDIS participants and their families

To discuss a new funding pathway for Non-Invasive ventilation (NIV) in Paediatrics. Since October 2019, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) introduced funding for NDIS participants in the category ‘Disability-related Health Supports - Respiratory Support’. From August 2020, a nursing project was funded by the Hospital Executive to facilitate the transfer of NIV consumable costs to the NDIS. A retrospective review of 256 NIV patients (Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)) and the patients NDIS eligibility status. 110 patients were identified as potential NDIS eligible patients by Primary diagnosis and their families contacted and supported to access NDIS funding for NIV device and consumables. By May 2021, 163 patients were NDIS participants on NIV therapy. Formal Assistive Technology (Respiratory ventilation) requests were developed with Key stakeholder input and supplier quotes obtained for machines and consumables. Nursing support, whilst labour intensive has shown to benefit Paediatric patients and their families accessing NDIS funding for NIV therapy in the future. Furthermore, the purchasing of disability-related health supports through NDIS funding is an alternative funding model for NIV in Paediatrics.