Abstract
Currently there is limited understanding of how people living with severe and
persistent mental health issues use and experience the internet when searching
for information regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This
study aimed to investigate what information mental health consumers want
about the NDIS and how they would find this online. A small exploratory
qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted using a naturalistic inquiry
approach. Brief semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data from
nine mental health consumers living in Hobart, Australia. Three emergent
themes were identified, (1) knowledge about the NDIS; (2) internet usage; and
(3) the importance of language. The findings highlighted that individuals
accessed NDIS information from a variety of sources with a preference for
obtaining information from people rather than the internet. Of those who had
searched online for NDIS related information, their level of understanding of the
scheme was quite limited suggesting that information provided online was not
adequately meeting their needs. More generally, participants reported difficulty
navigating NDIS literature due to language complexity. Participants also
reported confusion regarding specific aspects of the NDIS scheme and a
misunderstanding of the roles and functions of the NDIS and Centrelink. These
findings suggest that the information provided to potential NDIS psychosocial
participants does not meet their needs, and individuals want simple guidance
as to what the NDIS is, how it works, and what funding opportunities it offers
people. Access to clear and easy to understand information for mental health
consumers may support recovery via improved uptake of the NDIS.
Published on
07 Sep 2020.
Peer Reviewed
